Tennis is a sport that combines athleticism, strategy, and precision, making it a favorite pastime for millions of people around the world. While the game’s basics are relatively simple to grasp, the scoring system in tennis can be a bit perplexing for newcomers. With terms like “love,” “deuce,” and “advantage,” understanding how tennis scores work can seem like learning a new language. In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify tennis scoring, taking you through the ins and outs of how points, games, and sets are scored in this exhilarating sport.
The Basic Elements of Tennis Scoring
To understand tennis scoring, you need to start with the fundamental elements of the game: points, games, and sets.
A. Points
In tennis, every match begins with a serve, and each point is the building block of the game. The scoring for points is as follows:
Love: When the score is 0-0, it is referred to as “love.” This term is believed to have originated from the French word “l’oeuf,” meaning egg, which symbolizes zero.
15: The first point won in a game is worth 15 points.
30: The second point won is worth 30 points.
40: The third point won is worth 40 points.
Game Point: If a player scores the fourth point, they are said to have a “game point.” Winning this point grants them the game.
B. Games
A game in tennis is won by being the first player to score at least four points with a two-point advantage over their opponent. Here’s how it works:
0-0: The game starts with a score of “love-all” (0-0).
15-0: If the server wins the first point, the score becomes 15-0.
15-15: If the receiver wins the next point, the score becomes 15-15.
30-15: If the server wins the next point, the score becomes 30-15.
30-30: If the receiver wins the point after that, the score becomes 30-30.
40-30: If the server wins the next point, the score becomes 40-30.
Deuce: When both players are tied at 40-40, it is called “deuce.” At deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
Advantage-In: When a player wins the first point after deuce, they are said to have “advantage-in.” If they win the next point as well, they win the game. If not, the game returns to deuce.
Advantage-Out: If the player who does not have the advantage (the “out” player) wins the next point after deuce, the score returns to deuce.
Winning the Game: To win a game, a player must either win two consecutive points from deuce (advantage-in and the following point) or win four points in a row.
C. Sets
In tennis, matches are typically played as a best-of-three or best-of-five sets. To win a set, a player must be the first to reach a certain number of games, typically six or seven, with a two-game advantage over their opponent. Let’s explore this in more detail:
6-0: If a player wins six games without losing any, they win the set with a score of 6-0.
6-1: If a player wins six games and their opponent wins one, the set goes to the player leading with a score of 6-1.
6-2: Similarly, if a player wins six games to their opponent’s two, they win the set with a score of 6-2.
6-3: The pattern continues, and a player winning six games to their opponent’s three takes the set with a score of 6-3.
6-4: Likewise, a score of 6-4 indicates a player has won six games while their opponent won four.
7-5: Some sets require a player to win seven games with a two-game lead, resulting in a score of 7-5.
Tiebreak: If the score reaches 6-6 in a set, a tiebreak may be played. In a tiebreak, players take turns serving, and the first player to reach seven points with a two-point advantage wins the set. A typical tiebreak score might be 7-6(6).
Serving and Changing Ends
In tennis, players take turns serving, with the server alternating sides of the court after each point. Here’s how serving and changing ends work:
A. Initial Serve
Coin Toss: Before the match, a coin toss or another method is used to determine who serves first.
Serve Rotation: The player who wins the toss can choose to serve or receive. The player who serves first starts the match by serving from the right side (deuce court) of their side of the court.
Change Ends: After the first game, the players switch sides of the court. The player who served the first game serves the second game from the left side (ad court).
B. Change of Ends
Players change ends after every odd-numbered game (e.g., 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, etc.). This helps compensate for any differences in wind, sunlight, or court conditions.
During the change of ends, players have a 90-second break to rest, hydrate, and strategize with their coach (if applicable).
Scoring in a Match
A tennis match is typically played as a best-of-three sets or a best-of-five sets, depending on the tournament or level of play. To win the match, a player must win the predetermined number of sets. Here’s how scoring works in a match:
A. Best-of-Three Sets
In a best-of-three sets match, the first player to win two sets wins the match.
Each set is played according to the scoring system described earlier, with the player winning the set by reaching the required number of games with a two-game advantage over their opponent.
If one player wins the first two sets, the match is over. If the players split the first two sets, they play a third set to determine the winner.
B. Best-of-Five Sets
In a best-of-five sets match, the first player to win three sets wins the match.
Sets are played using the same scoring system as previously described.
Best-of-five sets matches are often seen in Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open for men’s singles.
Scoring Variations
While the standard scoring system is as described above, there are some variations to scoring in tennis, depending on the format of the match and the level of play:
A. No-Ad Scoring
In some non-professional and doubles matches, a simplified scoring system called “no-ad” scoring is used to expedite play. In no-ad scoring:
When the score reaches deuce, the next point decides the game.
The receiver chooses which side to receive the serve on the decisive point.
B. Coman Tiebreak
The Coman tiebreak is an alternative to the traditional tiebreak and is used in some junior and college tennis competitions. In this tiebreak:
Players switch ends after the first point and then after every four points, rather than every two points as in a standard tiebreak.
The player with the higher total of points at the end of the tiebreak wins.
See Also: Demystifying Tennis: Exploring the “A” in Tennis Scoring
Special Scenarios and Terminology
A. Love
Love-15, Love-30, Love-40: When a player has no points in a game, and their opponent has scored, the score is expressed as “love” followed by the opponent’s score. For example, “Love-15” means the server has no points, and the receiver has 15 points.
B. Let
A “let” is called when a serve hits the net cord but lands in the service box. In such cases, the server gets to retake the serve without any penalty.
C. Service Fault
A service fault is called when the server commits an error while serving, such as foot faulting (stepping on or over the baseline) or failing to hit the ball into the opponent’s service box.
D. Double Fault
A double fault occurs when the server commits two service faults in a row, resulting in the loss of the point.
E. Foot Fault
A foot fault is called when the server’s foot crosses the baseline or touches the court’s centerline before making contact with the ball.
F. Out
If the ball lands outside the boundaries of the court, it is considered “out,” and the point is awarded to the opponent.
G. Hawkeye
In professional tennis tournaments, an electronic line-calling system called “Hawkeye” is often used to review disputed line calls. Players are allowed a certain number of challenges per set to question line calls.
Conclusion
Tennis scoring may appear complex at first, but with a little practice and a clear understanding of the rules, it becomes second nature. The scoring system, with its unique terminology and intricate structure, adds depth and excitement to the sport. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated fan, comprehending how points, games, and sets work is essential for fully enjoying the game of tennis. So, the next time you watch a thrilling match at a Grand Slam tournament or take to the court with friends, you’ll be well-equipped to keep track of the score and appreciate the nuances of this captivating sport.
