Glossary of Tennis Terms - O

O

• official: Member of the officiating team: tournament referee, chair umpire, or linesman.
• OP: Stands for opportunity point; 15–30, an opportunity to potentially break serve.
• open stance: Modern technique in which the hitter's body facing is at an angle between parallel to the baseline and facing the opponent. See also closed stance.
• out: A ball that has landed outside the play area.
• overhead: Stroke in which the player hits the ball over his/her head; if the shot is hit relatively strongly, it is referred to as a smash; smashes are often referred to as simply overheads, although not every overhead shot is a smash.
• overrule: To reverse a linesperson's call, done by the umpire.
• overwrap: Material wrapped over the handle of the racket to absorb moisture or add gripping assistance. Includes gauze or Tournagrip (tradename).