Overview
Tennis scoring is different from most other sports and can be confusing for new spectators. But fear not, we're here to help!
The first thing to know is that a tennis match is composed of points, games, and sets.
Why do they say love in tennis?
Love represents zero. Here's a brief rundown of how all the points work:
- A game is won by the first player to score four points.
- The points from 1 to 4 have "calls" or names. They are
- 0 points is called Love
- 1 point is called 15
- 2 points is called 30
- 3 points is called 40
- 4 points is called Game
- If both players have won three points each, the score is referred to as deuce.
- From deuce, the next player to win a point wins the advantage.
- If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose the next point, the score goes back to deuce.
- A set is won by the first player to win six games, with a difference of at least two games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the winner of the set.
- A match is typically played as the best of three or five sets.
It's important to note that the rules of tennis can vary slightly between different tournaments, so it's always a good idea to check the specific rules for the tournament you're watching.
How are points won?
Points are won when a player is able to make a shot that their opponent cannot return. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a shot that is too fast, too difficult to reach, or too well-placed to be returned. Points can also be won when an opponent commits a fault, such as hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or failing to get the ball over the net.
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.
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How does the scoring system work in doubles tennis?
In doubles tennis, the scoring system is similar to singles tennis with a few differences. The game starts with each team serving two points and then alternating serves for the rest of the match. Points are scored the same as in singles tennis, with the first team to reach four points winning the game.
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.
Another difference is the serving order. Each team alternates serving every two games, with each player on the team having a chance to serve. This means that, for example, if player A on the first team serves the first game, player B on the same team will serve the second game. Then, player A from the second team will serve the third game, and so on.
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What information is displayed on a tennis scoreboard?
A tennis scoreboard typically displays the following information:
- The names of the players or teams playing the match.
- Points: The score within the current game, such as 15-30.
- Games: The number of games won by each player or team in the current set.
- Total sets: The number of sets won by each player or team.
- Previous sets. This is a more of a feature of professional scoreboards. This displays the score of the previous sets, such as 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. See the example from Wimbledon above.
Simple tennis scoreboards will just show the names, games and total sets. The points of the current set are not shown but will be called by the player or referee.
Using scoreboard software
Keepthescore.com offers a very easy-to-use online tennis scoreboard. We pride ourselves on being very easy to get started with. You can literally be up and running in under 30 seconds, no registration nor payment required.
What's very convenient is that you can control your scoreboard from anywhere, including a mobile phone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tennis Scoring
What does "love" mean in tennis scoring?
A: In tennis, "love" means zero or no points. For example, if the score is 15-love, it means one player has 15 points and the other has zero.
How many points does a player need to win a game in tennis?
A: A player needs to win four points to win a game in tennis. However, they must also win by a two-point margin.
What is a "deuce" in tennis?
A: A "deuce" occurs when both players have 40 points (three points each) in a game. From here, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
How many games are needed to win a set in tennis?
A: Typically, a player needs to win six games to win a set. However, they must win by a margin of two games. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is usually played.
What is a tiebreak in tennis?
A: A tiebreak is a special game played when the score in a set 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?
A: In most tournaments, men play best of five sets, while women and mixed doubles play best of three sets. However, this can vary depending on the specific tournament rules.
What is the difference between scoring in singles and doubles tennis?
A: The main difference is in doubles tennis, where "no-ad" scoring is often used. This means that if the score reaches deuce, the next point wins the game, without the need for a two-point advantage.
What does "advantage" mean in tennis scoring?
A: "Advantage" occurs after a 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?
A: 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 two players or teams for each subsequent game.
