How are points scored in tennis?
Short answerTennis uses a unique scoring system: points are 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and game. A player must win four points and lead by two to win a game; games make sets, and sets make matches.
Game Scoring
In a game, the score starts at love (0). The first point is 15, the second is 30, the third is 40. If both players have 40, it's deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game: the first point gives advantage, and the next wins the game.
The server's score is always called first. So '30-15' means the server has 30 and the receiver has 15.
- 0 = love
- 1st point = 15
- 2nd point = 30
- 3rd point = 40
- 4th point = game (if ahead by 2)
Sets and Matches
A set is won by the first player to win six games, provided they lead by two. If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is usually played to determine the set winner. A tiebreak is typically first to 7 points, win by 2.
Matches are usually best of three or best of five sets. In Grand Slam men's singles, it's best of five; most other matches are best of three.
- Set: first to 6 games, win by 2
- Tiebreak at 6-6: first to 7 points, win by 2
- Match: best of 3 or 5 sets
Common mistakes
- People often think the fourth point always wins the game, but if it's 40-40, you need two more points.
- Some believe a set always ends at 6-4 or 6-3, but it can go to a tiebreak at 6-6.
- The term 'love' doesn't mean zero points for both; it's just zero.
