An ace in tennis is a serve that lands in the correct service box and the receiver does not touch it at all, so the server wins the point instantly.

Quick Scoop: What Are Aces in Tennis?

In tennis scoring, any serve that is legal (in the right service box, without a foot fault) and completely untouched by the opponent’s racket is called an ace. It is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the sport because it lets the server win a point without playing a rally.

Key points about aces

  • The ball must land inside the correct service box to count as an ace.
  • The receiver must not touch the ball with the racket, even slightly; any contact means it’s not an ace.
  • An ace is worth one point, just like any other point in tennis.
  • Most aces happen on first serves because players hit harder and aim closer to the lines.

Why they’re called “aces”

The term “ace” comes from the idea of a top, unbeatable card in card games, symbolizing something decisive and superior. In tennis, an ace is the “perfect” serve for that point, because the receiver has no chance to respond.

Why aces matter in matches

  • They give the server free points and help hold serve more easily.
  • They break the opponent’s rhythm and can be psychologically intimidating.
  • Big servers at the pro level often hit dozens of aces in a single match, especially on faster courts.

In simple terms: an ace is the cleanest, most efficient way to win a point in tennis—one great serve, no rally, point over.

TL;DR: Aces in tennis are legal serves that land in the service box and are completely untouched by the receiver, giving the server an immediate point and acting as a major weapon in modern tennis.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.