Tennis has one of the most unusual scoring systems in sport. Terms like love, deuce and advantage can puzzle new viewers. The rules of tennis are set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Here is a simple guide.
Points in a game
- 0 points: love
- 1 point: 15
- 2 points: 30
- 3 points: 40
- 4 points: game, if the player leads by at least two points
Deuce and advantage
- If both players reach 40, the score is deuce.
- The next point gives a player advantage.
- If the player with advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score goes back to deuce.
Some events, like many doubles matches, use no ad scoring, where the next point after deuce decides the game.
Sets
- A set is won by the first player to win six games with a lead of at least two games, such as 6-4.
- If the score reaches 5-5, a player must win 7-5.
- At 6-6, a tiebreak is usually played.
Also Read: Table Tennis Rules Explained: 11 Point Games, Service Rules, Let and Doubles Order | Badminton Rules Explained: 21 Point Rally Scoring, Service Rules and Faults Every Player Should Know
Tiebreak
- Players score points as 1, 2, 3 and so on.
- The first to reach seven points with a two point lead wins the set 7-6.
- Since 2022, all four Grand Slams use a tiebreak to 10 points at 6-6 in the final set.
Matches
- Women’s matches and most men’s tour matches are best of three sets.
- Men’s singles at Grand Slams are best of five sets.
Serving
- A player gets two chances to serve a point. Two faults in a row is a double fault, and the opponent wins the point.
- A serve that touches the net and lands in the correct box is a let and is replayed.
- Players switch serve every game and change ends after odd numbered games.
The four Grand Slams
- Australian Open, Melbourne, on hard courts, in January.
- French Open, Paris, on clay, in May and June.
- Wimbledon, London, on grass, in June and July.
- US Open, New York, on hard courts, in August and September.
Technology
Electronic line calling systems like Hawk-Eye help decide close calls, and many events now use fully electronic line calling.
India in tennis
Leander Paes won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Indian players like Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Paes have won many Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. The All India Tennis Association governs the sport in India.
Bottom line
Tennis scoring goes 15, 30, 40 and game, with deuce and tiebreaks deciding close contests. Once you know this, every match becomes easier to enjoy.
Source / स्रोत: International Tennis Federation, All India Tennis Association, Sports Authority of India
