Tennis Rules and the Scoring System

Tennis scoring looks odd at first, but once the logic clicks it’s very simple. Scoring has three layers: points, games and sets.

Points: 0, 15, 30, 40

Within a game, points go like this:

The server’s score is called first: “30-15” means the server has 30 and the opponent 15.

Deuce and advantage

If both players reach 40, the score is deuce. To win the game you need two points in a row: whoever wins the next point has the advantage; if they win the following point too they win the game, and if they lose it the score goes back to deuce.

Some tournaments use “no-ad” scoring: at 40-40 a single deciding point is played.

Games and sets

To win a set you need at least 6 games and a 2-game lead (6-4, 7-5 and so on). If the score reaches 6-6, a tie-break is usually played.

Tie-break

In a tie-break, points are counted simply as 1, 2, 3. The first player to reach at least 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the set 7-6. The serve changes after the first point and then every two points.

The match

Matches are mostly won by the player who wins 2 out of 3 sets. In club and friendly matches, single sets or shorter formats are also common.

Service rules

• You serve from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box.
• You get two serves for each point; if both are faults it’s a double fault and the point goes to your opponent.
• If the ball touches the net and lands in the correct box it’s a let and the serve is replayed.
• Stepping on the baseline while serving is a foot fault.

For serving correctly, see the serve guide.

When is the ball in?

A ball that touches the line is in. The ball must be hit before it bounces twice on your side; a volley is hit before the ball touches the ground.

Changing ends

Players change ends after the first game of a set and then every two games; in a tie-break, every 6 points.

If you know the rules, it’s time for your first match: explore courts in Antalya.

Sources

• ITF — Rules of Tennis