The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TOPSPIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
T
O
P
S
P
I
N
More clues leading to the result TOPSPIN
- Feature of bowling takes prize money, with a twist
- Feature of bowler’s delivery: position taken up on leg
- Beats leg side with a 90-degree turn?
- No more leg on display at Wimbledon?
- It’s responsible for an on-going strike by potters
- Skill of a tennis player pinches prize on the backhand?
- Tennis player’s skill pinches prize on the backhand
- What bowler might use hits target at 16
- Slow bowler’s variation finds place to turn in front of leg
- Pinpoints in/out smash – feature of tennis shot, perhaps?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Tennis player’s skill" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tennis player’s skill = topspin.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TOPSPIN mean?
TOPSPIN noun- A rotational motion, especially that given to a ball, in which the upper surface spins in the direction of motion.
- An edgy, quirky or otherwise engaging quality that holds the interest of the audience.
- To spin (a ball) with this motion.