Introduction to Scoring in Tennis
Tennis is a sport which is full of exciting moments and intense competition. The players have to be physically fit, have good technique, and be mentally strong to succeed. But, just as important, is the knowledge of how to score in a tennis match. Knowing the scoring system can help players, coaches and spectators alike to understand the game better. Here, we will take a look at how scoring is done in tennis.
Tennis Scoring Basics
Scoring in tennis is done by awarding points to the player who wins each point – the winner of the match is the one who is first to reach a predetermined number of points. Points are awarded in a numerical order. Every point won is given a value, which increases as the match progresses. The first point is the ‘love’ point, followed by 15, 30 and 40. If both players have 40 points, then the score is ‘deuce’. The next point won is the ‘advantage’ point, and if that same player wins the next point, then they win the game.
Playing Sets
A tennis match is usually played in a series of sets, with the winner of the match being the first player to win a certain number of sets. The number of sets required to win the match depends on the tournament or competition – it could be a best of three sets, or a best of five sets. The sets are usually played in an alternating pattern, with the players taking it in turns to serve. The first player to reach six games (with a two-game lead) wins the set.
Tie-Breakers
If the final set reaches 6-6, then a tie-breaker is played to decide the winner of the set. In the tie-breaker, the players take it in turns to serve for two points at a time, alternating after each point. The first player to reach seven points with a two-point lead, wins the set.
Scoring for Doubles
In doubles matches, the scoring system is slightly different. The points are still awarded in the same numerical order, but the ‘advantage’ point is called the ‘game point’, and the ‘deuce’ point is referred to as the ‘no-advantage’ point. The tie-breaker is also different – the players take it in turns to serve for one point at a time, and the first team to reach ten points with a two-point lead, wins the tie-breaker.
Scoring for Mixed Doubles
Mixed doubles follows the same scoring system as doubles, with one exception – the tie-breaker is played with both members of the team serving for one point at a time. This means that both players will serve twice in a row, before the other team serves.
The Advantage Court
In some matches, a player can gain an advantage by playing on the ‘advantage court’. This is a court which has been set up to give the player an advantage over the other player. This could be a side court with a lower net, or a court with a higher bounce. The player who wins the point on the advantage court is awarded two points.
Scoring in Tournaments
In tournaments, the scoring system is slightly different. Firstly, each set is played to a predetermined number of games, with the winner of the set being the first player to reach that number of games. Secondly, the tie-breaker is played to a predetermined number of points, with the winner of the tie-breaker being the first player to reach that number of points.
The Match Point System
In some tournaments, a match point system is used. In this system, each set is played to a predetermined number of games, and the winner of the match is the first player to reach a certain number of match points. The match points are awarded depending on the result of the set. For example, a player who wins a set 6-2 would be awarded more match points than a player who wins a set 6-4.
Conclusion
Scoring in tennis is an important part of the game. It is important for players, coaches and spectators alike to understand the scoring system, so that they can follow the match and appreciate the strategies used by the players. Knowing the rules of the game will help players to succeed, and make the game more enjoyable for everyone.