Crossword Genius

Wait to play the first shot (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

serve

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I believe this is a quadruple definition!!

'wait' is the first definition.
(to wait on someone is to serve them)

'to play' is the second definition.
(serve is a kind of play)

'the first' is the third definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'shot' is the fourth definition.
(I know that serve is a type of tennis shot)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for serve that I've seen before include "commence action in court before judges?" , "Start (tennis game)" , "Supply" , "Dish out food" , "Put the ball in play on court" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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