Tennis is exciting, but it may be difficult for beginners to understand. The match-up seems excellent, and the atmosphere and all are also good. The problem is the scoring system and all the terms that are related to it. Some people following the sport for a few years still do not get the hang of it. The scoring system is the foundation of all sports, tennis included. Tennis is gaining popularity daily, so it is essential to help people know how the scoring system works. How does the tennis scoring system work? This is the question that has been bothering people, but not anymore. We are here with all the details, so read till the end.
How does the tennis scoring system work?
The tennis scoring system works by accumulating points, games, and sets. Tennis points are counted differently from other sports. It starts from 0 to 15 to 30, and lastly to 40. Winning four points will help the player win a game. Likewise, if a player wins six games, they will win a set. Next, if a player wins two or three sets, depending on the match, they will win. This may be a bit hard for beginners. Let us break it up and explain.
When a child is first introduced to the number system, they learn about 1, 2, 3, and so on. Then it is 10, 20, 30, and so on, and then it is the hundreds, and finally the thousands. It goes something like this: Ones -> Tens -> Hundreds -> Thousands. Similarly, the tennis scoring system works like points -> games -> sets -> matches.
How are tennis points scored?
As mentioned above, points are the foundation of tennis and will help a player win the match. Both players start the match with zero points. In tennis, ‘Love’ is used instead of saying zero or nil. As a player scores a point, his points become 15. Scoring the next point will result in 30, the third one will make it 40, and lastly, the fourth point will make it a game. 0 (love) -> 15 -> 30 -> 40 -> Game.
What Are the Ways to Score Tennis Points?
There are five basic ways in which tennis points can be scored. They are listed below:
- The first one is when the opposition misses two serves consecutively. It can be outside of the box or at the net. This method of scoring is called a double fault.
- The second way to score a point is by hitting a shot that goes past the opponent. This method is called a winner.
- The third one is when the player hits past the net and the ball lands outside the court. This is called an error.
- The fourth way of scoring a point is when the opposition misses the net during a rally. This one is also called an error.
- The last way is when a player hits the ball over the net but bounces twice before the opposition gets a hit. This is known as a double bounce.
What Is a Game in Tennis?
A game is called a game when a player wins four points in a tennis match. But there are a few conditions for that to happen. A consecutive four will result in a game. For example, From 0 to 15 to 30 to 40 to the game If the server wins the point, the score will be 15×0. But if the receiver wins the first point, it will be 0x15.
But if both players are on 40 points, one must win two consecutive points to win the game. If the score is 40×40, the server winning the next point will result in an advantage of 40. If the receiver wins the next point, the score will be 40×40. Likewise, if one player wins two consecutive points, they will win. Here is a chart to make it simpler for you.
| Game Outcome | Player A Score | Player B Score |
| Set Begins | 0 | 0 |
| Player A wins the game | 15 | 0 |
| Player B wins the game | 15 | 15 |
| Player A wins the game | 30 | 15 |
| Player A wins the game | 40 | 15 |
| Player B wins the game | 40 | 30 |
| Player B wins the game | 40 | 40 |
| Player B wins the game | 40 | Advantage |
| Player A wins the game | 40 | 40 |
| Player A wins the game | Advantage | 40 |
| Player A wins the game | (+1 Game) 0 | 0 |
If you want to know about Sets in a Tennis Match, then click on the link: How Many Games Are In A Set Of Tennis? – A Complete Guide
What Is a Set In Tennis?
Afte winning a game, comes a set. A player must win six games with a two-point margin to win a set. If both players are on five points, one must win two games in a row to win that particular set. For example – if a player is winning by 5 games to 4, then winning the next game will result in winning the set. But if the games are tied at 5 games to 5, then one of the players must win two consecutive games to win the set. It will ultimately result in 7 games to 5. This is known as a tiebreaker. To learn more about tiebreakers, click on the link – What Are Tennis Tiebreakers and How Do They Work? – A Complete Guide
FAQs on Tennis Scoring System
Q: How does the tennis scoring system work?
Ans: The tennis scoring system works by accumulating points, games, and sets by the tennis players. Tennis points are counted differently from other sports. It starts from 0 to 15 to 30 and lastly to 40. Winning four points will help the player win a game.
Q: What does Love in tennis mean?
Ans: Love in tennis means zero points. Instead of using terms like zero and nil, ‘Love’ defines zero.
Q: What is a Deuce in Tennis?
Ans: A deuce is called when both players are on 40 points.
Q: What does Advantage mean in tennis?
Ans: When both players are on a deuce, and one of them scores a point, it is called an Advantage, as the next point by that player will result in winning the game.
Read More – Top 5 Richest Tennis Players in the World