Tennis has one of the most unique scoring systems in sports, and if you’re new to the game, it can seem a little confusing at first. But once you understand the basic structure and flow, it becomes second nature. Here’s a breakdown of how tennis scoring works, step by step:

 1. Points – How a Game Begins

Each time a player wins a rally (a back-and-forth exchange), they earn a point. But instead of counting 1, 2, 3, 4 like in other sports, tennis uses the following sequence:

0 points = “Love”
1 point = 15
2 points = 30
3 points = 40
4 points = Game (but you must win by 2 points)

 Example:

If the score is:

• Server wins 2 points, opponent wins 1, the score is 30–15
• Both players win 3 points, the score is 40–40, also called Deuce

From Deuce:

• A player must win two points in a row to win the game
• Win one point = Advantage
• Win the next point = Game won
• Lose the next point = back to Deuce

 2. Games – Building a Set

Once a player wins four points (and is ahead by two), they win a game. Games accumulate to form a set.

 3. Sets – Sections of a Match

To win a set, a player must:

• Win 6 games
• Be ahead by at least 2 games

So a set score might look like:

6–2, 6–4

If both players reach 6–6, a tiebreak is often played to decide the set (more on that below).

 4. Matches – Winning the Battle

A match is made up of sets. Most youth and recreational matches are played in one of these formats:

• Best 2 out of 3 sets (first to win 2 sets)
• 1 Set Match (used in junior or time-limited events)
• Pro Set (first to 8 games, must win by 2)

The match winner is the player or team who wins the majority of sets.

 5. Tiebreaks – Breaking the Deadlock

When a set reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is usually played to decide the set winner. Tiebreaks are quicker and use a simple point-counting system:

• First to 7 points, must win by 2
• Players alternate serves every 2 points after the first point
• Tiebreaks are scored 1, 2, 3, 4… (not 15, 30, etc.)

In some junior tournaments, shortened tiebreak formats (like first to 5) may be used.

 Quick Tips for Parents Watching a Match

• Pay attention to who’s serving—the server’s score is always called first.
• Don’t worry if you miss a few points—games reset quickly, and matches often shift momentum.
• Ask your child to keep track of their own score—it’s part of tennis responsibility and learning.

Many matches will use modified scoring (like a 4-game set or 10-point tiebreaker) depending on age, level, or tournament rules.

 Why This Matters

Understanding scoring helps you:

• Follow matches and support your child more confidently
• Understand how tension and momentum build
• Celebrate small wins within a match—even if the outcome isn’t a victory

 “Love means zero, but in tennis parenting, love is everything.”

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