hold serve
Win your games
In tennis and similar racket sports, to hold serve is to win a game while serving.
Since the server has an advantage, holding serve is expected; breaking the opponent's serve is the path to victory.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone protects an expected advantage: The incumbent held serve in the primary.
Moment before potential shift
- deucePair on dice
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
- game pointWinning score opportunity
- tiebreakMethod to resolve draws
set · match · ace · fault · double fault · love · receiver · let
One who contends against
- fightbackRecovery after setback
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- battleArmed military engagement
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
matchup · tournament · showdown · determination · grit · comeback · turning point · standings
break point
Moment before potential shift
- deucePair on dice
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
- game pointWinning score opportunity
tiebreak · set · match · ace · fault · double fault · love · receiver · let · rally
opponent
One who contends against
- fightbackRecovery after setback
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- battleArmed military engagement
rivalry · matchup · tournament · showdown · determination · grit · comeback · turning point · standings · seeding
nerves
Tense apprehension
crucial · critical · mental toughness · composure · focus · poise · choke · confidence · momentum · closing out
patterns
Recurring arrangements or designs