Crossword Genius

Wasted -- as tennis ball may have been after lob? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smashed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'been after lob?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'wasted as tennis ball' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'as' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'may have' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smashed that I've seen before include "Affected by drug" , "completely sozzled" , "Broken in pieces" , "Broke into small pieces" , "Broke; drunk (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app