Tennis: Understanding the Points System

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, combining power, strategy, and endurance. But for the uninitiated, its points system can seem confusing. Between the 15, 30, and 40 points, the advantages, and the tiebreakers, it's easy to get lost. However, once you understand the rules, tennis becomes even more captivating to watch.

In this blog, we explain how the tennis points system works , analyzing each level: point, game, set, and match. It's a great way to follow a match like a pro... or to better appreciate your own performance on the court.

1. The point: the smallest unit

Each rally a player wins earns them a point . But in tennis, points are not accumulated in the traditional way (1, 2, 3, etc.) as in most sports. Instead, they are scored as follows:

• 0 points: “Zero” or “Love” (in English)
• 1 point: 15
• 2 points: 30
• 3 points: 40
• 4 points: Game won (under certain conditions)

Example: If a player wins the first two rallies, the score will be 30-0 .

But what happens when both players reach 40?

2. Equality, advantage and winning of the game

When both players reach 40-40 , it is called a "tie. " At this point, you must win two consecutive points to win the game .

• If a player wins the point after 40-40, he gains the advantage (we say "Dupont Advantage", for example).
• If he wins the next point, he wins the game .
• But if he loses this point, the score returns to equality , and we start this cycle again.

This system makes each match particularly intense at this stage, especially when the tie repeats several times.

3. The game: a series of points

A game is won when a player reaches at least 4 points (i.e. more than 40), with a minimum difference of 2 points .

A game of tennis is divided into several games, which constitute a set . A set is generally played in six winning games , but that's not all...

4. The set: the major unit of a match

To win a set , a player must win at least 6 games , with a margin of two games .

Example :

• 6-4: the set is over
• 6-5: the set continues
• 7-5: the set is over

But if both players reach 6-6, a tie- break is played, except in certain tournaments (such as Roland-Garros until recently).

5. The tie-break: decision at 6-6

The tie-break is a special rule that replaces the classic 6-6 game. It allows a set to be completed more quickly and decisively.

The rules of the tie-break:

• The first to 7 points wins the game (and therefore the set), provided they have a gap of 2 points .
• If both players are tied 6-6 in the tiebreak, play continues until one of them has a 2-point lead (8-6, 9-7, etc.).

Note: In a tiebreak, the serve changes every two points after the first serve. Points are scored normally (1, 2, 3, etc.), unlike the rest of the match.

6. The match: how many sets does it take to win?

A tennis match is generally played in:

• 2 winning sets (best of 3 sets) for the majority of tournaments, including women's and regular ATP/WTA tournaments.
• 3 winning sets (best of 5 sets) in some major men's tournaments, notably Grand Slams (Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open).

Examples:

• Score of a match in 3 winning sets: 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-4
• Score of a match in 2 winning sets: 7-5, 6-3

7. Service: Who starts? When does it change?

Serving is a central element of tennis. Here are the essential rules to know:

• The player who serves does so for an entire game .
• The service alternates all games : one player serves one game, then it is the other's turn.
• In a tiebreak, the player who starts serves a single point , then the opponent serves two points , then every two points alternately.

The server also alternates the service box each point, serving once to the left (even side) and once to the right (odd side).

8. Understanding a score displayed on television

Example of score displayed on screen:
Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 4-2

This means:

• Nadal won the first set 6-4
• He lost the second set 3-6
• He currently leads the third set 4-2

During a game in progress, you might see:
40-15 , which indicates the score of the current match.

9. Why 15, 30, 40? The origin of the system

This unique system often intrigues newcomers. Where do these famous numbers 15, 30, and 40 come from?

There are several theories:

• One of the most popular is related to the use of a clock : the points were counted in quarter hours (15, 30, 45), but the 45 became 40 for reasons of pronunciation and fluency.
• Another theory goes back to the game of palm , the ancestor of modern tennis.

Although the exact origin remains unclear, this system is an integral part of the charm and tradition of tennis.

10. Terms to know in English and French

Conclusion: A unique, but exciting system

Tennis has retained a unique scoring system, a blend of tradition, strategy, and dramatic tension. Once mastered, each point becomes a mini-battle, each game a psychological tug-of-war, each set a chapter in an often epic duel.

Whether you're an amateur player or just a spectator, understanding the points system makes the experience much richer and more exciting. So, the next time you watch a match or swing a racket, you'll know exactly what the famous "40-40, server advantage" means!