What is a Break Point in Tennis? Meaning & Types Explained

Why is a Break Point So Important?

Tennis is a sport which often comes down to the finest of margins. Players and coaches will oftens say that winning crucial points is often more influential insofar as where a match will go, as opposed to simply racking up points. 

Break points are hugely influential to a match’s outcome, and will likely always have a role to play in its momentum swings. 

At a basic level of understanding the nuances of tennis, winning your own service game is far more straightforward than having to win an opponent’s service game. Simply put, a server is in as much control as is possible during their service game. The returner is then asked to react to whatever the server is doing as best as possible. 

However, to summarise their importance;

• They can disrupt the momentum of the game, giving a boost to the returner. 
• Successful conversions of break points illustrate the element of unpredictability and excitement entrenched in the sport of tennis 
• Players who hold a higher break point conversion rate tend to win more tennis matches. Dealing (successfully) with the pressure and intensity of the break point often culminate into positive outcomes. 

Types of Break Points

As we have said, a break point occurs when the returner has an opportunity to win the game by securing the next point against the server. This shift, and its inherent impact, is often best seen in close competitive matches. The difference is often a handful of break points. 

The Single Break Point

A single break point occurs when the returner is leading the game 30-40 or has an advantage from deuce. It is at this juncture that the returner needs just one more point to break their opponents serve. 

It is an incredibly high pressure moment for the server in particular, knowing losing one point means losing the game. 

A Double Break Point 

This sort of situation would only become apparent when the score is 15-40, giving the returner two consecutive opportunities to break their opponents serve. The psychological pressure on the server is heightened even further here, knowing that the margin for error is even further reduced. 

It also presents a sort of catch 22 situation. The serving player will have to decide on their approach to ensure they hold on to their service game. If they were to attempt riskier shots or strategies, they might become more aggressive and regain a foothold in their encounter or they lose the game through a lack of simple control. 

Triple Break Point 

And finally, the triple break point. Often seen as the most critical juncture in the game, the serving player finds themselves at 0-40 down, offering the returner three opportunities to break the serve. 

It really is a daunting task for the server. It would seem as though everything is stacked against them. For the returner, the tactical advantage shouldn’t be underestimated, but moreover, the psychological edge would naturally result in incredible confidence. 

Whether you are a seasoned tennis fan or not, understanding these points underpins the strategic depth of the sport. It allows you to appreciate the often tense situation out on court, and ensures that you are part of the possibly turning tide of the match.