What’s a Hold vs. a Break?

In tennis, a “hold” means the server wins the game. A “break” means the returner wins it.

Holding serve is expected — it’s your advantage. Breaking serve? That’s a momentum-shifter.

1. How It Works
Each player serves every other game. When a server wins their game, they’ve “held.” But if the returner wins it? That’s called a “break” — because they broke the server’s rhythm and scoreboard control.

2. Why It Matters
Most sets are decided by one break. If you break and then hold your next game, you’ve created a cushion. Do it late in a set? You probably just won it.

Holding under pressure — like to stay in the match — gets big respect. That’s when things get clutch.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“She held to stay in the set.”
Translation: She was one game away from losing the set, but she held serve. Still alive.

“He broke at 5–5 and then served it out.”
Translation: He stole momentum, then slammed the door.

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