Crossword Genius

Netting initial lunge before winning service (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lace

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

'netting' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'initial lunge before winning service' is the wordplay.
'initial' says to take the initial letters.
'before' says to put letters next to each other.
'winning service' becomes 'ace' (ace is a kind of service. I am not sure about the 'winning' bit.).
The first letter of 'lunge' is 'l'.
'l'+'ace'='LACE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lace that I've seen before include "Spike - ornamental fabric" , "Shoe string" , "Flimsy fabric or shoe fasterner" , "Shoe tie" , "Fortify with spirits; open fabric" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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