When a person is not into a game totally, he tends to get confused about several terminologies of the game. In order to get accustomed with the rules and regulations of the game, a person needs to delve deep into the ethos and echoes of the game or for that matter he should be, at least a regular follower of the game. For instance, a player who has seen a football match for the first time, the terms like volley, free-kick, penalty and throw-in would sound Greek to him. Similarly this article we are going to discuss why Zero is Called Love in Tennis?
Similarly, it applies to the world-famous sport called tennis. There are many terms that are confusing for a newbie. For example, ace, ad, alley, love. Also, to mention the marking system in the game, frankly speaking, does not make sense at all. For example
- 0 points = love
- 1 point = 15
- 2 points = 30
- 3 points = 40
- Tied score = all
In this article, we will discuss in detail, why zero is called love in tennis, and also the unusual scoring pattern followed in tennis since ages.
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Why Does Love Mean Zero in Tennis?
There are many reasons and explanations as to why zero is called love in tennis. There is no solid and a specific reason for the same, but there are various theories regarding it. Whenever a match starts in tennis, the score usually starts with love-all.
Egg Theory
As stated above there are many theories for the same, one of which is zero has an oval shape, and in French language zero is called as l’oeuf. The fast pronunciation of l’oeuf sounds like love. L’oeuf, l’oeuf, l’oeuf. This theory somewhere sounds vague. It is not a solid reason as to why does love means zero in tennis? There are many such other theories, which sound absurd. Let’s discuss more of them.
Love For the Game
Another very interesting theory regarding this topic is, the expression “to play for the love of the game”. This theory basically means, to play for the love of the game, instead playing for money. This inculcates a positive mindset in the players to participate in the tournament with a purpose to compete with full vigor, to give their best, without thinking about the award they get after winning.
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What does 15, 30, 40…. actually means?
One of the weirdest things in tennis is its scoring system, “LOVE” in tennis means “ZERO”, also now, instead of counting points as 1, 2, 3, 4… we count it as 15, 30, 40. The third theory hopefully gives a logical reason as to why tennis does this. There is a very logical reason behind the same, centuries ago tennis was known as “jeu de palmes” which basically means “game of palms”. Now naming this game as jeu de palmes had a reason, since people back then, used hands instead of tennis racquets, to pass the ball back &forth.
The History and Reason for Unusual Scoring in Tennis.
According to Grunge.com it is said that the reason for unusual scoring in tennis goes long back in its history. Instead of counting points as 1, 2, 3, 4… we count it as 15, 30, 40. According to the critics the reason behind the type of scoring has its reference to the minutes of the clock, but it clearly does not satisfies the point of argument. Another hypothesized theory behind counting scores in the multiples of 10 is, it is marginally convenient and faster to say ‘FORTY’ instead saying ‘FORY-FIVE’. But as far as the analysis says, it has made things more confusing rather making them convenient and faster.
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FAQs related to scoring system in tennis and as to why zero is called love in tennis.
Q. How does the scoring system work in tennis?
Ans. Tennis is a four-point game that must be won by a two-point lead. The name of these four points is love (zero), 15, 30, 40, and game. If the game is tied at 40, it extends until one player wins by a two-point lead.
Q. Why is tennis scored 15 30 and 40?
Ans. Tennis scores were shown in the middle ages on two clock faces which went from 0 to 60. On each score the pointer moved round a quarter from 0 to 15, 30, 45 and a win on 60.
Q. What are 3 points called in tennis?
Ans. The first point won by a side is called “15,” the second point is “30,” and the third point is “40.”
Q. What does 15 mean in tennis?
Ans. The score of 15 in tennis refers to a single point.