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.