A lead is only worth something if you can make it stand up. In fact, I think losing a set or match in which you squander a lead feels far worse than never having the advantage at all. So when you get that early break of serve, you want to maintain the cushion by consolidating it with an immediate hold of your own. It can be a tough game to hold because you have a tendency to relax a bit after breaking serve, and your opponent will dig in after falling behind. Here are a couple of things you can do at that moment to make sure you stay out in front.
Pay special attention to the first point: You’ve got the break and some momentum, and you don’t want your opponent to think he has a chance to get it back. Getting the first point of the game, slight as it may seem, will bolster his belief that he can turn things around. Whether you’re serving right after a finished game, or after the changeover, take some extra time to construct a smart first point before you step up to the line. Be clear about what you want to do and try your best to get a first serve in, even if that means taking something off the ball.
Make your opponent earn it: As I mentioned earlier, when you get the break there’s a tendency to exhale. Your intensity drops every so slightly and you may be susceptible to playing some loose points. You don’t want to alter your main strategy or go away from your strengths, but keep the ball in play and force your opponent to raise his game in order to even the score. Double faults are to be avoided at all costs, and watch the unforced errors. It’s tricky because there’s a fine line between playing safely and playing passively. So go for your shots when they’re there, but don’t rush to finish points. You can accept faulty execution – not faulty judgment.