A counterpunch is a boxing punch that immediately follows an attack launched by an opponent. It exploits the opening created in an opponent’s guard.
For tennis match and tournament players, a common strategy employed is often called counter puncher. Serena’s coach referred to Stephens as a counter puncher in his US Open 2017 commentary.
The counter puncher essentially waits for the offensive / aggressive baseliner to simply miss versus trying to hit winners or force errors. They get the ball back however they can – loop, slice, dice, lob, push, etc.
A battle of wills. Who is willing to stay out there the longest? A match with two counter punchers can go on for hours.