What is a Bagel in Tennis?
A bagel is a slang term in tennis that refers to a player winning a set by winning all of the games without giving their opponent a single point. It’s commonly used in singles matches, but can occur in doubles matches as well.
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Origin of the Term
The term “bagel” in tennis is believed to be derived from the shape of the number “0” which looks like a bagel. It is also thought to have originated in the 1970s when the tie-break was introduced to tennis.
Rules of a Bagel
In tennis, a bagel is awarded when a player wins a set 6-0, meaning they have won every single game without their opponent scoring a single point. A bagel is usually only awarded in the first three sets of a match and not in the fourth set (which is a tie-break).
What Does it Mean?
A bagel can be seen as an indication of how one-sided a match is. It’s a way of showing that one player has completely dominated the other and has not given them a single point.
What is a Breadstick?
A breadstick is the term used when a player wins a set 6-1. This term is derived from the shape of the number “1” which looks like a breadstick.
Is a Bagel Rare?
A bagel is not a rare occurrence in tennis. It is not uncommon to see a bagel in a match, especially at the lower levels of the game where the skill level of the players is not as great.
Examples of a Bagel
One of the most famous examples of a bagel in tennis was when Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 6-0 in the first set of their 2011 French Open semifinal. Djokovic went on to win the match in four sets.
What is a Double Bagel?
A double bagel is when a player wins a set 6-0, 6-0. This is a rare occurrence and is usually only seen when one player is much better than the other.
What is a Triple Bagel?
A triple bagel is when a player wins a set 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. This is an even rarer occurrence and is usually only seen in matches between two very unevenly matched players.
Conclusion
So, why is it called a bagel in tennis? It’s because the shape of the number “0” looks like a bagel, and it is awarded when a player wins a set 6-0 without their opponent scoring a single point. A bagel is a way of showing one-sidedness in a match and is not an uncommon occurrence in tennis.
Bagel, breadstick, tie-break, double bagel, and triple bagel are all terms commonly used in the game of tennis which have become part of its lexicon. Understanding what they mean and why they are used is an important part of understanding the game of tennis.