22 Down

NYT Daily • September 1, 2025

Tennis servers’ wallops

Answer:

ACES

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

Tennis servers’ wallops" is a playful way to clue "ACES" because in tennis, an "ace" is a powerful serve that the opponent can’t return—essentially a hard-hitting "wallop." The word "servers" hints at the player delivering the serve, while "wallops" reinforces the idea of a forceful shot. It’s a straightforward double meaning where the answer fits both the sporty definition and the clue’s wording.

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