What’s a Bagel (and Breadstick) in Tennis?

When a player wins a set 6–0, that’s called a bagel. Total shutout. Zero games lost.
Win a set 6–1? That’s a breadstick — the shape kinda explains it.

1. Where It Comes From
It’s all visual:

  • 0 = Bagel

  • 1 = Breadstick

Both terms started as casual player slang and stuck — commentators use them now too.

2. Why It Matters
A bagel usually signals domination — one player couldn’t get on the board.
A breadstick isn’t quite as brutal, but still means someone got steamrolled.

Neither one is official, but trust us: players feel it.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“She bageled her in the first set.”
Translation: She won 6–0. Total blowout.

“That second set was a breadstick.”
Translation: She lost 6–1. Slightly better than a bagel. Still rough.

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