How Does Tennis Scoring Work?

If tennis scoring feels like it was invented just to confuse beginners... well, you’re not totally wrong. But it’s easier than it looks. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Points → Games
Each game is scored in four-point increments: 0 → 15 → 30 → 40 → game

Yes, we said 15. No, it doesn't actually mean 15 points. It’s just tennis lingo. Don’t yell at us - yell at the 1800s.

If both players reach 40? That’s called deuce, and someone needs to win two points in a row to take the game. First they earn advantage, then they close it out (if they lose the point when they have advantage, then it’s back to deuce).

2. Games → Sets
Win 6 games with a 2-game lead and you win the set.

If it gets to 5-5, you can win two games in a row to take the set (7-5).

If it gets to 6–6, you play a tiebreak (first to 7 points, win by 2).

3. Sets → Match
Most matches are best-of-three sets (first to 2).

Men’s singles at Grand Slams? Best-of-five (first to 3).

This scoring builds tension — every point counts, but you’ve got to win multiple layers. And most importantly: you don’t have to memorize it all. Once you’ve seen a few matches, it starts to click.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“He’s up 40–30”
Translation: The server has won 3 points, the returner has 2. One more point for the server = game over. One more point for the returner = deuce.

“She won the first set 6–4”
Translation: She won six games, the opponent won four. Set over. On to set two.

“It’s 6–6. They’re going to a tiebreak.”
Translation: No 2-game lead at 6 games to 6 games? Then they play a tiebreaker mini-game to decide the set.

“They’re in the fifth set.”
Translation: It’s a best-of-five match (usually men’s singles at a Grand Slam) and it’s gone the distance. Buckle up.

“He broke serve and now leads 3–1.”
Translation: He won a game while returning serve — usually a big deal. Now he’s up a break and leads the set.

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