Consolidate the Break Meaning in Tennis

To consolidate the break means to win your own service game immediately after breaking your opponent’s serve. This is a critical step because a lead is only useful if you can hold on to it. If you break your opponent but then lose your own serve right after, the score becomes even again. This is often called giving the break back, and it can be very frustrating for a player. Consolidating the break requires deep focus to ensure you do not relax after a big emotional win. For example, if you break your rival to lead three games to two, you must win the next game to stay ahead. Doing so makes the score four to two and puts the pressure back on your opponent. It is the sign of a mentally tough player who knows how to protect a lead. This sequence is often the most important turning point in a professional tennis match.