Overview
Tennis is one of the most popular racquet sports worldwide, played on courts of various surfaces from grass to clay. While the game itself is straightforward - hitting a ball back and forth over a net - its scoring system can seem complex to newcomers. This guide breaks down tennis scoring from basic points to full matches.
Tennis scoring has unique terminology and rules that differ from most other sports. A tennis match is composed of points, games, and sets, with a distinctive scoring system that has evolved over centuries of play.
Points, Games, and Sets
In tennis, points progress from "Love" (zero), to 15, 30, and 40. A player must win by two clear points to win a game. When both players reach 40 points, this is called "deuce". From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game - winning the first point gives them "advantage", and winning the second point wins the game.
A set is won when a player wins six games with a two-game margin. If games reach 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the set winner. A match typically consists of best-of-three or best-of-five sets.
Service Rules and Scoring
Serving is essential to tennis scoring. A legal serve must:
- Land in the diagonal service box
- Clear the net without touching it
- Be hit from behind the baseline
- Be struck before the ball bounces
A fault occurs when any of these conditions aren't met. Players get two serve attempts - if both result in faults, this is a "double fault" and the point goes to the receiver.
Tiebreak Rules
A tiebreak begins when a set reaches 6-6. The first player to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set. During a tiebreak, points are counted simply as 1, 2, 3, etc., rather than the traditional 15, 30, 40 scoring used in regular games.
Players alternate serves during the tiebreak, with the first server getting one serve and subsequent servers getting two. Players switch ends of the court every six points to maintain fairness.
Some tournaments, particularly in doubles matches, use a "match tiebreak" (first to 10 points) in place of a final set.
Example scoring progression
Here's an example score progression for a tennis game:
- Player A serves first and wins the point with a strong forehand. The score is now 15-0 or 15-love in favor of Player A.
- Player B responds with a solid backhand, but Player A wins the next point with a well-placed drop shot. The score is now 30-love in favor of Player A.
- Player B fights back with a few aggressive shots and wins the next two points to level the score at 30-30.
- Player A takes the lead again with a powerful serve, and the score is now 40-30 in favor of Player A.
- Player B hits a high, deep return, and Player A nets their next shot, making the score 40-40, or "deuce".
- The next point is crucial, and Player A wins it with a beautiful backhand down the line. Player A now has the " advantage".
- Player B hits a weak return on the next point, and Player A wins the game with a strong forehand winner. The final score for the game is 6-4 in favor of Player A.
- Player A has now won his first set.
Doubles Scoring
Doubles tennis follows the same basic scoring principles as singles, but with some key differences in service rules and court positioning. Each team must decide their serving order at the start of each set, and this order must be maintained throughout that set.
A game of doubles
The main difference between singles and doubles tennis scoring is the concept of "no-ad" scoring, which means that there is no advantage score. In doubles tennis, if the score reaches deuce (3-3), the next point wins the game.
What information is displayed on a tennis scoreboard?
Roger Federer beside a tennis scoreboard in Wimbledon
A tennis scoreboard typically displays:
- The names of the players or teams
- The current game score
- The number of games won in the current set
- The number of sets won by each player
- Previous set scores
Professional tournament scoreboards often include additional statistics and match duration, but basic scoreboards focus on the essential game, set, and match scores.
Using scoreboard software
Keepthescore.com offers a simple online tennis scoreboard. We pride ourselves on being very easy to get started with - you can be up and running in under 30 seconds, with no registration required.
What's particularly convenient is that you can control your scoreboard from anywhere, including a mobile phone.
Test Your Scoring Knowledge
Try these scenarios to test your understanding of tennis scoring:
Scenario 1: The Deuce Dilemma
A tennis match reaches deuce (40-40). Player A wins the next point to gain advantage, but then loses the following point. Player A then wins two points in a row.
Question: What is the final game outcome?
Scenario 2: The Tiebreak Challenge
In a tiebreak, Player A serves first and wins the point. Player B then serves and wins both points on their serve. Player A wins their next two service points, and Player B wins one point on their serve.
Question: What's the tiebreak score at this point?
Scenario 3: The Set Point Situation
The game score in a set is 5-4, with Player A serving. The game reaches 40-15 in Player A's favor.
Question: What kind of point is Player A about to play and what happens if they win it?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "love" mean in tennis scoring?
In tennis, "love" means zero or no points. The term's origins are debated, but it's been part of tennis terminology for centuries.
How many points does a player need to win a game?
A player needs to win four points and have a two-point lead to win a game. However, if the score reaches deuce (40-40), more points may be needed.
What is a "deuce" in tennis?
Deuce occurs when both players have 40 points (three points each). From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
How many games are needed to win a set?
Typically, six games with a two-game margin are needed to win a set. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played.
What is a tiebreak?
A tiebreak is a special game played when the set score reaches 6-6. The first player to reach 7 points (with a two-point lead) wins the tiebreak and the set.
How many sets are played in a tennis match?
In most tournaments, men play best of five sets, while women and mixed doubles play best of three sets. Tournament rules can vary.
What is the difference between scoring in singles and doubles?
The main difference is in doubles tennis, where teams must maintain a consistent serving order throughout each set. The basic scoring system remains the same.
What does "advantage" mean in tennis scoring?
"Advantage" occurs after deuce when one player wins the next point. If this player wins the following point, they win the game. If not, the score returns to deuce.
How is serving determined in tennis?
Players or teams take turns serving entire games. The server for the first game is determined by a coin toss or spin of the racket. After that, serving alternates between the players or teams.
