Tennis scoring can sound unusual at first: points are called “15,” “30” and “40,” and a game may continue after the score reaches 40–40. Once you understand how points build into games, games build into sets, and sets decide the match, it becomes much easier to follow.
Here’s a practical guide to how tennis points work, including the basic scoring sequence, deuce and advantage, tiebreaks, and what happens when a player serves or hits the ball out.
How tennis points are scored
A tennis point starts with a serve and ends when one player wins the rally. A player wins the point if their opponent cannot return the ball legally—for example, the ball bounces twice, lands outside the court, or the opponent hits it into the net. A serve that misses both permitted attempts is a double fault, which also gives the opponent a point.
The server’s score is called first. So if the server has won two points and the receiver has won one, the score is called 30–15. “Love” means zero: if neither player has scored, the score is “love-all.”
| Points won in the game | Score called |
|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 or more, depending on the score | Game, advantage, or deuce |
For instance, if a player wins the first two rallies, the score is 30–love. If the opponent then wins a point, it becomes 30–15. The numbers are not a count of points in the usual sense; they are simply the names used for the score.
How to win a tennis game
In a standard game, a player needs to win at least four points and lead by two. If the score is 40–30, the player with 40 can win the game by taking the next point. If the player with 30 wins it instead, the score becomes 40–40, or deuce.
At deuce, neither player is ahead by two points. The next point gives its winner advantage. The score is then called “advantage server” or “advantage receiver,” depending on who won it. If that player wins the following point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.
That is why a close game can last much longer than four points. Players keep going until one wins two points in a row after deuce. A server might save game points with strong serves, while a receiver might stay in the rally and wait for a short ball to attack.
How games make up a set
Players alternate serving games. A set is usually won by the first player to win six games with a lead of at least two. A score of 6–3 ends the set, for example, but 6–5 does not: one more game could make it 7–5, or the set could reach 6–6.
In many formats, a 6–6 set is decided by a tiebreak. Tournaments can use different rules for the final set, so the exact format depends on the event. Some use a tiebreak at 6–6; others use a special deciding tiebreak.
How a tennis tiebreak works
Unlike a regular game, tiebreak points are counted as 1, 2, 3 and so on. The usual target is seven points, but a player must win by two. If the score reaches 6–6, play continues until someone leads by two, such as 8–6 or 10–8.
The players also change ends during the tiebreak, usually after every six points. Serving rotates in a set pattern rather than switching after every point. The opening server serves one point, then the other player serves two, and the players continue taking turns with two serves. This helps balance the effects of serving and playing from each end.
How a match is decided
A match is made up of sets. Many professional matches are best of three sets, meaning the first player to win two sets wins the match. Some men’s Grand Slam singles matches are best of five, so a player must win three sets. Match formats vary by event and competition.
A score such as 6–4, 3–6, 6–2 means one player won the first set 6–4, lost the second 3–6, then won the third 6–2 to take the match. The score within each game is separate from the game score, which is separate from the set score.
Common scoring situations to know
- A ball touches the line: It is in. The line is part of the court.
- A serve hits the net and lands in the correct service box: It is a let, and the server plays that serve again.
- The server misses the first serve: They get a second serve. Missing both is a double fault and costs the point.
- The score is 40–40: In standard scoring, the game continues through deuce and advantage until someone wins by two points.
- The set reaches 6–6: A tiebreak is common, but check the event’s rules because formats can differ.
Some recreational leagues and tournaments use no-ad scoring to shorten matches. In that format, the point after deuce decides the game, with the receiver often choosing which side to receive from. The event should explain this variation before play begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is zero called “love” in tennis?
“Love” is the traditional tennis word for zero. Players use it in calls such as “love–15” or “love-all.” The exact origin is uncertain, but the term is firmly part of tennis scoring.
Who announces the score first?
The server’s score is announced first during a game. If the server has 15 and the receiver has 30, the score is called 15–30.
Does every game have to be won by two points?
In standard scoring, yes. A player must lead by two points to finish a game. No-ad formats are an exception: the point after deuce decides the game.
Is a tiebreak always played at 6–6?
No. A tiebreak at 6–6 is common, but tournament rules vary, especially for deciding sets. Check the competition format if you need to know exactly how a match will finish.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to follow tennis scoring is to keep its three levels separate: points decide games, games decide sets, and sets decide matches. Remember the point sequence—love, 15, 30, 40—and the two-point rule at deuce. After a few games, the calls and score changes start to feel natural.
