A break point in tennis is a critical situation where the player who is returning serve is just one point away from winning the current game, which is being served by their opponent. This means the returning player has the opportunity to "break" the server's game by winning that point
. Break points can occur in several score scenarios during a game, including:
- Returning player leads 0–40 (three break point chances)
- Returning player leads 15–40 (two break point chances)
- Returning player leads 30–40 (one break point chance)
- Returning player has the advantage after deuce (40–Ad)
The serving player usually has an advantage because they control the serve and pace of the game, and statistics show servers win more than 70% of their service games on the ATP Tour (about 60% on the WTA Tour). Therefore, winning a break point is very important as it can shift momentum, give the returning player a significant advantage, and psychologically impact both players by demonstrating the ability to overcome the server's edge
. Types of break points include:
- Single break point (one chance to break, e.g., 30-40)
- Double break point (two chances, e.g., 15-40)
- Triple break point (three chances, e.g., 0-40)
- Converted break point (when the break point is won)
- Saved break point (when the server wins the point despite break point pressure)
In summary, a break point is a pivotal moment in tennis where the returning player can seize control by winning a game on the opponent’s serve, often influencing the outcome of the match
