LEARN TO KEEP SCORE

Have you been hitting tennis balls against the wall or rallying on court with your favourite playing partner for fun and want to take your game to the next level? The time has come for you to better understand the points and rules of the sport so that you can start playing matches.

GAME

The first player to win four points earns a game so long as they win by at least two. Once a game is won, a new one starts.

SET

Sets are made up of games and the first player to win six games and lead by two takes the set.

MATCH

A match is made up of an odd number of sets.

Scoring in tennis definitely isn't as easy as one, two, three. It's filled with intricacies, exceptions, and unique terminologies. So much so that it can difficult to remember all the details. Don't worry though, we've got you covered.

Games are scored beginning at zero or love. The first point won is called 15, the second point is known as 30, and the third point is 40. Once a player gets to 40, they earn a game point. If the score is 40-40, referred to as deuce, one player has to win two consecutive points to take the game. From deuce, the first point won is called advantage and if the same player takes the next point, they win the game. Otherwise, the score goes back to deuce.

Keeping score during a tiebreak differs from an individual game as you simply count each winning point as one. So for example, if one player takes five points in a row, the score would be 5-0. Typically, a tiebreak continues until one player wins seven points with an advantage of two or more. If the score is 6-6, the tiebreak continues until someone takes two consecutive points.

The first serve point of each tiebreak is taken from the right side of the court otherwise known as the deuce side. The opponent will then serve the next two points, beginning on the left side of the court also known as the advantage side. Their second serve will be from the deuce side before the balls are sent back to the opposite side of the net for two more serves in the same order from the player who started the tiebreak, and so on. If you want to be like the pros, you can change ends with your playing partner every six points.

The best-of-three set format is most often used to decide the outcome of matches with the famous exception being the best-of-five men's singles matches at tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments. The winner of a match is the player who wins the majority of the sets (two for best-of-three and three for best-of-five).

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THE TENNIS POINT SYSTEM

Points are how games, sets, and matches are won. Each point has a beginning and an end, and they are the game within the game. Find out what each point is called and how a player earns them.

POINT TERMINOLOGY
A score of zero	Love
A single point	15
Two points	30
Three points	40
Four points	Game Point (player wins one game)
Set point	When a player is one point away from winning a sixth game in a set or the seventh point of a tiebreak
Match point	When a player is one point away from winning their second set (third set in a best-of-five match).

WHEN THE GAME IS TIED

Breaking a tie at 40-40 during a game requires two consecutive points won. These are the terms used in such a scenario.

DEUCE AND ADVANTAGE TERMINOLOGY
Deuce	Game is tied at three points
Ad In (Advantage In)	The person serving wins the point at deuce
Ad Out (Advantage Out)	The person returning serve wins the point at deuce

HOW TO WIN A POINT

There are multiple ways a player can get the better of their opponent within a point and ensure that the scoreboard goes in their favour.

Hitting a Winner

These point outcomes will credit the player who hit the last shot with a winner.

If a ball is hit and it lands on or inside all of the boundary lines and is not returned by the opponent.
If a ball bounces twice within all of the boundary lines before it is returned.
If the ball hits the net during a point but still falls over and in on the other side. Considering the stroke of luck, be sure to send your opponent a quick apology as a show of sportsmanship.

On Serve

Serves start each point and can be used to win points. For some players, their serve is their biggest weapon.

If a ball is served and it bounces within the service box boundary lines and is not successfully returned, the server wins the point.
Better yet, if a ball is served and it bounces within the service box boundary lines and is not touched at all, it’s called an ace.

Committing an Unforced Error

If someone misses a shot during a rally, the point goes to the opponent.
When the ball is hit into the net or a it lands outside the lines of the court.
When two straight serves are missed to start a point (also known as a double fault).
If your racquet hits the net at any time during a point, it goes the way of your opponent.

The Tennis Shot Playbook

WHO SERVES FIRST?

One player spins their racquet, allowing it to fall to the ground, and the other calls up or down. The logo on the “butt cap” of the racquet is used to determine the winner of the spin. Some options include “M or W” for a Wilson racquet, “P or D” for a Prince racquet, “up or down” for a Head racquet. Players can also flip a coin if they have one.

The player who wins the racquet spin or the coin toss can choose:

To serve or receive
A side of the court
Whether to defer to their opponent

If you defer the decision to your opponent, they cannot defer back. If you decide to serve or receive, your opponent chooses which side of the court they want to start on and vice versa.

WHEN TO SWITCH ENDS

During a set, players switch ends after every odd game. During a tiebreak, they switch sides every six points.

FOLLOWING AS A FAN

While watching a match on TV or in person, the score will be displayed next to the players' names. Usually, there are columns for the set score, the game score, and points for the game currently in progress. A dot or ball right beside the player's name will indicate who is currently serving. Some electronic scoreboards will also include the match time.

TENNIS ON TV IN CANADA

LEARN TO PLAY

Tennis Canada has championed various programs and initiatives that will introduce beginners to the sport in a fun and inclusive environment that encourages everyone to progress at their own pace.