What’s a Tiebreak in Tennis?

A tiebreak is a special game played when a set reaches 6–6 — first to 7 points (win by 2) takes the set.

It’s fast, tense, and often where momentum flips.

1. How It Works
Instead of playing more regular games, players race to 7 points (with at least a 2-point lead). The first server hits one point, then players alternate serving two points each. They switch sides every 6 points, and keep going until someone wins by two.

2. Why It Matters
Tiebreaks decide the tightest sets. They’re pressure-packed, crowd-loud, and make or break close matches.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“They’re heading into a tiebreak.”
Translation: The set’s tied 6–6 — now it’s a sprint to the end.

“She won the tiebreak 8–6 to take the set.”
Translation: It went down to the wire — but she pulled it off.

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