What To Know
- If a player wins the next point after deuce, they have the **advantage** and the score is called “**advantage in**” for the player who is ahead.
- In professional tennis, if the score reaches 6-6 in a set, a tie-breaker is played to determine the winner of the set.
- In some tournaments, a super tie-breaker is used to determine the winner of a set instead of a traditional tie-breaker.
Tennis, a sport of skill, strategy, and athleticism, is enjoyed by millions worldwide. But for newcomers, the scoring system can seem daunting. Understanding how to keep score on tennis is crucial for enjoying the game and even more importantly, for accurate play. This comprehensive guide will break down the scoring system, from the basics to the nuances, ensuring you can follow the action with confidence.
The Basics: Points, Games, Sets, and Matches
Tennis scoring is based on a simple yet unique system. Here’s a breakdown:
- Points: A point is earned by a player when they successfully hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. The points are awarded in this order: **Love (0), 15, 30, 40, Game.**
- Games: A game is won when a player reaches four points, with a minimum two-point lead. This means a player can win a game 4-0, 4-1, 4-2, or 4-3.
- Sets: A set is won when a player wins six games, with a minimum two-game lead. For example, a set can be won 6-0, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
- Matches: A match is won by the player who wins the required number of sets. In professional tennis, men typically play best-of-five sets, while women play best-of-three sets.
The Deuce and Advantage: When Things Get Close
The scoring system gets a bit more interesting when the score reaches 40-40, also known as deuce. At this point, the game continues until one player wins by two points.
- Advantage: If a player wins the next point after deuce, they have the **advantage** and the score is called “**advantage in**” for the player who is ahead.
- Deuce Again: If the player with the advantage loses the next point, the score reverts back to **deuce**.
Tie-Breakers: Deciding the Set
In professional tennis, if the score reaches 6-6 in a set, a tie-breaker is played to determine the winner of the set.
- Tie-breaker scoring: The tie-breaker is played to seven points, with a minimum two-point lead. The player who reaches seven points first, with a two-point advantage, wins the tie-breaker and the set.
Understanding the Call: “Game, Set, Match!”
The winning player is announced with a series of calls:
- Game: When a player wins a game, the score is announced, for example, “Game, player A.”
- Set: When a player wins a set, the score is announced, for example, “Set, player A.”
- Match: When a player wins the match, the score is announced, for example, “Match, player A.”
The Importance of Knowing the Score
Knowing the score is crucial for both players and spectators.
- Players: It allows players to adjust their strategy based on the score, knowing whether they are ahead or behind. They can also use the score to gauge their opponent’s mental state.
- Spectators: Understanding the score helps spectators appreciate the nuances of the game and follow the action with more depth.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Keeping Score
While the scoring system seems straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that even experienced players can make:
- Forgetting the advantage: Remember that after deuce, the score is not simply “5-5.” It is either “advantage in” for the player who is ahead or “advantage out” for the player who is behind.
- Counting points incorrectly: Keep track of the points carefully, especially when the score is close. A single missed point can change the outcome of the game.
- Not understanding the tie-breaker scoring: Remember that the tie-breaker is played to seven points, not six.
Beyond the Basics: The World of Tennis Scoring
The scoring system outlined above is the standard format for most tennis matches. However, there are variations and special circumstances to be aware of:
- No-Ad scoring: In some recreational matches, “no-ad” scoring is used to speed up the game. In no-ad scoring, there is no deuce or advantage. The first player to reach four points wins the game.
- Super tie-breaker: In some tournaments, a super tie-breaker is used to determine the winner of a set instead of a traditional tie-breaker. The super tie-breaker is played to ten points, with a minimum two-point lead.
- Mixed doubles: In mixed doubles, the scoring system is the same as in singles and doubles, but there are some additional rules regarding serving and receiving.
Mastering the Score: The Key to Enjoying Tennis
Understanding how to keep score on tennis opens up a whole new level of appreciation for the game. It allows you to follow the action with more clarity, understand the strategies of the players, and even anticipate the outcome of the match. So, next time you watch a tennis match, remember to keep score. You might be surprised at how much more you enjoy the game!
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is “love” in tennis scoring?
A: “Love” refers to zero points in tennis. It is believed to have originated from the French word “l’oeuf,” which means “egg,” as an egg is shaped like a zero.
Q: Why is the score 15, 30, 40?
A: The exact origin of the 15, 30, 40 scoring system is unknown. One theory suggests it may be related to an ancient clock face with 60 minutes, where 15, 30, and 45 mark the quarter hours.
Q: What happens if the score reaches 7-7 in a tie-breaker?
A: The tie-breaker continues until one player has a two-point lead. The score will keep going until the next player reaches seven points with a two-point advantage.
Q: Can a player win a set 6-5?
A: No, a player cannot win a set 6-5. A set is won when a player wins six games with a minimum two-game lead. So, the next possible score after 6-5 would be 7-5.
Q: What is a “fault” in tennis?
A: A fault occurs when a player hits the ball out of bounds, into the net, or fails to serve properly.
