In tennis, what is an ace?
VerifiedAnswer: An ace is a legal serve that the opponent cannot touch, resulting in an immediate point for the server.
Explanation:
In tennis, an ace represents one of the most exciting moments during a match. When a player serves an ace, they deliver the ball with such precision, power, or placement that their opponent cannot even make contact with it using their racquet. This results in an instant point for the server, making it one of the most effective ways to win a point quickly.
For a serve to qualify as an ace, it must first be a legal serve. This means the ball must land within the correct service box on the opponent's side of the court. If the serve hits the net, lands outside the service box, or commits any other serving violation, it cannot be considered an ace, even if the opponent fails to touch it.
Professional tennis players often achieve aces through different techniques. Some rely on raw power, serving the ball at speeds exceeding 120 mph, making it nearly impossible for opponents to react in time. Others focus on precise placement, hitting corners of the service box or targeting areas where the opponent least expects the ball to land.
Aces are particularly valuable because they guarantee a point without any risk of the opponent mounting a counterattack. They also help servers maintain momentum and can be especially crucial during important moments of a match, such as break points or tiebreakers. Players with strong serving games often rely heavily on their ability to hit aces consistently throughout a match.
