What To Know
- Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring pro, understanding how to keep score in tennis is crucial to enjoying the game and competing effectively.
- If both players win six games, the set goes into a tiebreaker, where the first player to reach seven points, with a two-point advantage, wins the set.
- A match is won by the first player or team to win two out of three sets (for men’s singles) or two out of three sets (for women’s singles and doubles).
Tennis is a thrilling sport that requires skill, strategy, and a keen eye for scoring. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring pro, understanding how to keep score in tennis is crucial to enjoying the game and competing effectively. This comprehensive guide will break down the basics of tennis scoring, making you a scoring expert in no time.
Scoring System
Tennis uses a unique scoring system that differs from many other sports. Points are awarded for each successful shot, and the player or team with the most points wins the game.
Points
- Love: Zero points.
- 15: One point.
- 30: Two points.
- 40: Three points.
Game
A game is won by the first player or team to reach four points. If both players reach 40-40, the game enters deuce, where the first player to win two consecutive points wins the game.
Set
A set is won by the first player or team to win six games. If both players win six games, the set goes into a tiebreaker, where the first player to reach seven points, with a two-point advantage, wins the set.
Match
A match is won by the first player or team to win two out of three sets (for men’s singles) or two out of three sets (for women’s singles and doubles).
Serving and Receiving
At the start of each game, players alternate serving and receiving. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally into the opposite service box. The receiver stands behind the baseline and returns the serve.
Faults
A fault occurs when the server hits the ball out of bounds, into the net, or before it crosses the net. Two consecutive faults result in a point for the receiver.
Let
A let is called when the serve touches the net and lands in the correct service box. The server gets a second chance to serve.
Advantage and Deuce
When both players reach 40-40, the game enters deuce. The first player to win a point after deuce is awarded an advantage. If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If the player without the advantage wins the next point, the score returns to deuce.
Tiebreaker
If both players win six games, the set goes into a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker is played to seven points, with a two-point advantage required to win. The player who serves first in the tiebreaker alternates serves every two points.
The Bottom Line: Mastering the Art of Tennis Scoring
Keeping score in tennis is an essential skill for any player, regardless of their skill level. By understanding the scoring system, serving and receiving rules, and tiebreaker procedures, you’ll be able to follow the game, track your progress, and compete effectively. So, grab your racket, step onto the court, and embrace the challenge of mastering the art of tennis scoring.
Popular Questions
Q1. What is the difference between a point and a game?
A1. A point is a single unit of scoring in tennis. A game is won by the first player or team to reach four points.
Q2. What happens when both players reach 40-40?
A2. When both players reach 40-40, the game enters deuce. The first player to win two consecutive points after deuce wins the game.
Q3. How is a tiebreaker played?
A3. A tiebreaker is played to seven points, with a two-point advantage required to win. The player who serves first in the tiebreaker alternates serves every two points.
Q4. How many sets are in a tennis match?
A4. Men’s singles matches are played over three sets, while women’s singles and doubles matches are played over two sets.
Q5. What is a let in tennis?
A5. A let is called when the serve touches the net and lands in the correct service box. The server gets a second chance to serve.
