Comprehensive Guide to Understand The Tennis Scoring Rules

When it comes to popular sports, tennis is one of the sports that comes to mind. Tennis is a popular sport especially in Europe. Recently, tennis has also started to rise in Indonesia thanks to entertainment. 

Although tennis uses the same racket as badminton, it does not mean that the rules of tennis are the same as badminton. In scoring rules, tennis has its own rules. We will discuss these rules further in this article about tennis scoring in general. So, keep scrolling!

How Tennis Scoring Works

Tennis scoring is quite complex compared to other sports. In tennis, the scoring system is structured around games, sets, and matches. Here’s how tennis scoring works: 

1. Game

A game is won by the first player to win four points, with a margin of at least two points over the opponent. The points in a game progress as follows: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and game.

2. Set

A set is won by the first player to win six games, with a margin of at least two games over the opponent. If the set reaches a 6-6 tie, a tiebreak is usually played.

3. Match

A match is typically best-of-three sets or best-of-five sets, depending on the tournament rules.

The Tennis Scoring Terms

In the game of tennis there are several scoring terms with different terms. Terms such as Love, Deuce, Tiebreak and others that we will discuss in more depth. Here are the tennis scoring terms:

A. Love

In tennis, "love" means zero. So, when the score is "love-15," it means the server has zero points, and the receiver has 15 points.

B. 15, 30, 40

Points in a game are scored as follows:

• 15: First point won by a player.
• 30: Second point won by a player.
• 40: Third point won by a player.

After 40, the next point wins the game unless both players are tied at 40, which leads to a deuce.

C. Deuce

When both players have won three points each (40-40), the score is called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. The first point won after deuce gives the player the advantage.

D. Advantage

After deuce, the player who wins the next point gains the advantage. If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. But if they lose the next point, the score returns to deuce.

E. The Tiebreak

A tiebreak is played to decide the winner of a set when the score reaches 6-6. The first player to reach seven points, with a margin of at least two points, wins the tiebreak and the set. Tiebreaks are usually played using a different point system (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Tennis Scoring Rules

Tennis has a different score calculation system. There are even specific rules on how to announce the correct score. Here are the tennis scoring rules:

1. Serving

• The server's score is always announced first. For example, if the server has 30 points and the receiver has 15, the score is announced as "30-15."
• Players serve alternately game by game.
• In doubles, the serve alternates between teams each game, and team members also alternate serving within their team.

2. Winning a Game

• A player must win at least four points to win a game and must have a two-point lead over their opponent.
• If the score is 40-40, or deuce, the game continues until one player wins two consecutive points.

3. Winning a Set

• A set is won by the first player to win six games, with at least a two-game lead.
• If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is typically played to determine the winner of the set.

4. Winning a Match

• Matches are usually best-of-three sets for women and best-of-five sets for men in Grand Slam tournaments.
• The player who wins the required number of sets wins the match.

History Behind the Tennis Scoring System

The tennis scoring system, with its unique terminology and progression, has a rich history dating back several centuries. The origins of tennis scoring are somewhat obscure, but various theories and historical developments have contributed to the system used today. Here are some of the theories: 

A. Clock Face Theory

One theory suggests that the scoring system is derived from the hands of a clock. In medieval times, the face of a clock was used to keep score, with the minute hand moving to the 15, 30, and 45-minute marks. The 45 was later abbreviated to 40 to simplify calling the score.

B. French Jeu de Paume

Another theory links the scoring system to the French game "jeu de paume," a precursor to modern tennis. In this game, a player would start at the back of the court (0), and each point won would allow them to move forward 15 feet, 30 feet, and 40 feet towards the net. 

The term "love" is believed to come from the French word "l'œuf," meaning "egg," symbolizing zero.

C. Betting

Some suggest that the scoring system originated from gambling. Points were represented by coins: 15 (a quarter of a currency unit), 30 (half a currency unit), and 40 (three-quarters of a currency unit).

What Do You Think About Tennis Scoring Rules?

As a tennis player, you are required to know these rules as they are also used in national and international tennis competitions. Unfortunately, tennis is not very popular in Indonesia. However, that doesn't mean there are no tennis classes in Indonesia. 

Rockstar Academy is one academy that provides various Sports & Performing Arts Academy including touchtennis, basketball, futsal and many more.

Since 2011, Rockstar Academy has become a trusted place for parents to develop their children. With more than 120 classes a week and more than 35+ events & competitions every year such as Elite Championships and RockOlympics.

Curious to find more? Make sure to sign up for a free trial class and since it is a great opportunity to experience their high-quality training firsthand, guided by experienced instructors!

FAQ

Why is it called "love" when the score is zero?
The term "love" is thought to derive from the French word "l'œuf," meaning "egg," which symbolizes zero. Over time, "l'œuf" evolved into "love" in English.

How does the tiebreak work?
In a tiebreak, the first player to reach seven points with a margin of at least two points wins the tiebreak and the set. Players alternate serves every two points, and the tiebreak is scored using simple numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.).

What happens if the score reaches 6-6 in games?
If the score reaches 6-6 in games, a tiebreak is usually played to determine the winner of the set.