Would you like to learn more about tennis but find its scoring system confusing?
Don’t worry, in this article we will explain step by step how points, games, sets, and matches are counted in this sport.
We will also tell you about the historical origin of some unique tennis terms like “15”, “30”, “40”, and “Love”.
Here are some key takeaways that you will find in this article:
The Historical Origins of Tennis Scoring
Before we dive into the modern scoring system, let’s take a quick look at the history behind these unique tennis terms.
Tennis evolved from the French game Jeu de Paume (Palm game) in the late 16th century. The French scoring used terms similar to “15”, “30” and “40”
Why Are The Point Values 15, 30, 40?
The scoring system in jeu de paume was unlike the one we use in modern tennis.
While contemporary tennis follows a sequence of “15, 30, 40,” jeu de paume adhered to a different pattern. When a player scored a point, they were granted the privilege to advance up the court.
The progression was as follows:
The progression was as follows:
1. First point: 15 feet closer to the net.
2. Second point: Another 15 feet closer.
3. Third point: Finally, 10 feet closer.
The game’s scoring system ensured a distance of five feet between the player and the net, introducing a fascinating tactical element to the play.
Why is zero called “Love”?
“Love” likely derives from l’oeuf, the French word for egg, meaning nothing or zero.
So while the exact origins are uncertain, the scoring terminology clearly has connections to the early French roots of tennis.
The unique charm of these traditional terms has been carried over to the modern game.
An Overview of Tennis Scoring Basics
Let’s cover some tennis scoring fundamentals
- A tennis match is made up of points, games, sets and the overall match result.
- Points make up a game, games make up a set, and sets make up a match.
- Most professional tennis matches are the best of 3 or 5 sets.
- Each set consists of a series of games, and the first player to 6 games wins the set.
- To win a match, a player must win the required number of sets (2 out of 3, or 3 out of 5).
Now let’s explore each of those scoring components in more detail.
Scoring a Tennis Point
Now back to the present day scoring basics. The most basic unit in tennis scoring is the point. Points are counted as follows:
So for example, if Player A wins the first point, the score is called as “15-Love”. If Player B wins the next point, it’s “15-All”.
The first player to win 4 points wins the game, as long as they have a margin of 2 points over their opponent. This two point margin is key, as we’ll explain shortly.
Winning a Tennis Game
To win a game in tennis, you must be the first player to reach 4 points and have at least a 2 point cushion over your opponent.
So, if the score reaches 40-40 (also called “Deuce”), the players must compete for the advantage.
The next point won will give that player the “Advantage.” If the same player wins the following point, they win the game.
However, if the opponent wins the next point after deuce, the score returns to deuce again. This back-and-forth continues until one player string together 2 consecutive points from deuce to win the game.
Tennis Set Scoring
Now that we understand the basics of scoring a point and winning a game, let’s look at how sets are scored:
- A set is won when one player reaches 6 games, provided they have a margin of at least 2 games over their opponent.
- If the score reaches 6-5, the leading player must win one more game to clinch the set.
- If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the set winner.
Generally, a set will be won with a scoreline like 6-4, 7-5, or even 6-0 if it’s a shutout set.
Tiebreak rules add some additional complexity, but don’t worry about those for now.
The main thing to grasp is that a player needs 6 games to win a set.
And one final key factor: The server’s score is always called first when announcing the game score.
Tennis Match Scoring
With points, games, and sets covered, let’s wrap up with some keynotes on overall tennis match scoring:
- Most professional matches are played in a best-of-3 sets or best-of-5 sets format.
- To win a best-of-3 match, a player must win 2 out of the 3 sets.
- To win a best-of-5 match, a player must win 3 sets.
- Men’s Grand Slams like Wimbledon are best-of-5 set matches. Many women’s and juniors tournaments use best-of-3 sets.
So, in summary, the player who wins the required number of sets first (2 or 3) wins the overall match!
In Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground explaining the ins and outs of tennis scoring.
Tennis scoring can feel confusing at first, but with some fundamental knowledge, you’ll be able to keep up with the action.
Understanding how points, games, and sets work together helps unlock the full drama and excitement of a tennis match.
So next time you tune into Wimbledon or the Australian Open, you’ll be a scoring expert! Put your new tennis knowledge to the test and enjoy the match like a true pro.
