How the Tennis Scoring (‎Points, Games, Sets & Matches) System Works

One of the biggest turn-aways for people interested in tennis can be its scoring system. One might find the scoring quite confusing with terms like deuce, love, and sets. But despite this, the sport is enjoyed by millions worldwide.

This guide aims to simplify the convoluted scoring system so you can better follow a tennis game.

A Fundamental Sequence of Tennis ‎Scoring

The foundation of tennis scoring can be expressed in one simple sequence:

1. Points
2. Games
3. Sets
4. Matches

Points are the building blocks for a game of tennis. Followed by games, sets, and finally, matches.

Tennis Score Points

There are five ways in which players can score a point:

• If the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side {double bounce}
• If the server hits the net twice {double fault}
• If the opponent misses a shot {winner}
• If the opponent hits the net during a rally {error}
• If the ball is shot outside of the court {error}

Tennis Points Game

All players in a tennis game start with zero points: 0-0

A zero point is commonly called “love” and with each point scored it goes from 0 to 15, 15 to 30, 30 to 40, and finally a game point. Yet, scoring beyond 40 doesn’t necessarily mean winning a game.

To win a game a player must have more than 40 points with a two-point lead. But what if both players have 40 points {deuce}? This is where the advantage comes in; for every score made after 40 the server’s point becomes 40-ad. If the opponent also scores a point above 40, the server’s point goes back down to 40. Until either can score beyond a 40-ad the game will continue. After a player scores above 40-ad{game point}, they win a game and the score is reset.

Tennis Sets

Similar to points and games, sets are won from games. Each set consists of a minimum of 6 games with a two-game lead. So for example, if the score is 6-5, the server must reach a score of 7-5 to win a set. However, if the scores are tied at 6-6 then a tiebreaker set or advantage set is played.

Tiebreaker games ditch the points convention {0, 15, 30, 40} in favor of simple numbers {0, 1, 2, 3,…}. The first to reach at least seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreaker game and set. After each set, the score is once again reset to 0-0. There are also special conditions that apply only during tiebreaker games:

• The player that serves for a score is followed by the opponent who serves for 2 scores and every such odd score.
• The players switch court sides when the sum of the score is equal to 6 or its multiples {4-2, 3-3,..}

A tiebreaker game is not played if it is an advantage set or the last set of a match i.e if it’s the third set of a three-set match. In this scenario, the set is continued until a player achieves a two-point lead.

Win a Tennis Match

A match is won usually after a player wins two of the three sets. Three of five sets rule is observed in the grand slams. 

Other Tennis Conventions

• The server’s score comes first i.e: if the server scores a point the score will read 10-0
• Same scores are read with an all suffix i.e: the score 30-30 is read 30-all
• Serving alternates with each score
• Sides are swapped after every odd number of scores

Grand Slam Scoring Rules

The four Grand Slams announced in March of 2022 that they will be transitioning to a consistent, final set tie break format.

At some of the major tennis tournaments, a 10-point tiebreak is used when the match goes into the deciding set.

The first team or player to win 10 points with an advantage of 2 or more will be the winner.

The 2020 Australian Open is set to begin using the new format, which includes an increase of 15 minutes of playtime, to determine the champions of the four Grand Slam tournaments for the year.

Watch How Tennis Scoring Works