Tennis Scoring System: Points, Games, Sets & Tiebreaks Explained (2026)

By Rachel Williams · May 26, 2026

Points Within a Game

Tennis uses a unique point system: 0 called love, 15, 30, 40, then game. When both players reach 40, it is called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points: the first gives advantage and the second wins the game.

Why 15 30 40?

The most popular theory traces tennis scoring to medieval France, where a clock face was used to track points: 15, 30, 45 which was later shortened to 40. Another theory links it to the French jeu de paume, where the server moved 15 feet closer with each point won.

Games Within a Set

A standard set is won by the first player to win 6 games, with a minimum 2-game margin such as 6-4 or 7-5. If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played except in the final set at some Grand Slams.

Tiebreak Rules

A standard tiebreak is played to 7 points with a win by 2 requirement. Players alternate serve every 2 points after the first point. They change ends every 6 points. The player who served first in the tiebreak receives first in the next set.

Match Formats

Most professional matches are best-of-3 sets where the first to win 2 sets takes the match. Mens Grand Slam matches are best-of-5 sets where first to win 3 takes the match. This means a mens major can last 5 sets and some matches have exceeded 5 hours.

Special Scoring Terms

Love means zero possibly from French loeuf meaning egg for the shape of zero. Bagel means winning a set 6-0. Breadstick means winning a set 6-1. Golden set means winning a set without losing a single point which is extremely rare.

Serving Rules

Each point starts with a serve. The server gets two attempts and two faults in a row is a double fault which loses the point. If the serve clips the net and lands in, it is a let and the serve is replayed. Servers alternate sides each point and switch serve every game.