What Does 'Ad' Mean in Tennis? Explained

By Emma Wilson · September 11, 2027

In tennis, ‘ad’ is short for ‘advantage’ and indicates the player who wins the next point after deuce (40-40) gains the advantage. If that player wins the following point, they win the game; if they lose it, the score returns to deuce. This scoring rule adds strategic tension in close rallies.

Understanding the Meaning of ‘Ad’ in Tennis Scoring

The term ‘ad’ is a shorthand used in tennis to denote ‘advantage.’ It plays a critical role in the unique scoring system, especially when a game reaches deuce. Unlike most sports, tennis does not allow a player to win a game immediately upon reaching 40 points if their opponent also has 40—this state is called deuce. From this point, a player must win two consecutive points to claim the game.

The first of these two points gives them the advantage, or ‘ad’. The server’s advantage is called ‘ad in,’ while the receiver’s is ‘ad out.’ If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score resets to deuce, and the cycle continues until one player wins two points in a row.

Why Is It Called ‘Ad’?

The abbreviation ‘ad’ comes from the French word ‘avantage,’ reflecting tennis’s historical roots in France. Over time, ‘avantage’ was anglicized to ‘advantage’ and eventually shortened to ‘ad’ in common tennis parlance.

How the ‘Ad’ System Works in Practice

Tennis scoring follows a non-linear pattern: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and then game. When both players reach 40, the score is deuce. From here, the ad system ensures a player must demonstrate clear superiority by winning two consecutive points.

Deuce: Score is 40-40; no player has an advantage.
Ad In: Server wins the next point after deuce.
Ad Out: Receiver wins the next point after deuce.
Game: Player with advantage wins the following point.
Back to Deuce: Player without advantage wins the point after ad.

This system emphasizes consistency and mental toughness, often leading to extended games and dramatic turning points.

Ad Scoring vs. No-Ad Scoring

While traditional tennis uses the ad system, some formats, particularly in recreational leagues and World TeamTennis, use no-ad scoring. In this variation, the first player to reach 40 wins the game after deuce—if the score reaches deuce, the next point decides the game.

Variations in Tennis Scoring Systems
Scoring Type	Deuce Rule	Next Point After Deuce	Used In
Traditional (Ad)	Must win two consecutive points	Advantage (ad in/ad out)	ATP, WTA, Grand Slams
No-Ad	Next point wins game	Sudden death point	World TeamTennis, USTA Leagues
Pro Set	N/A (first to 8 or 10 games)	Two-game lead required	Doubles, junior matches

The ad system preserves tennis’s traditional rhythm and psychological depth, while no-ad scoring speeds up play and reduces match duration.

Strategic Implications of the Ad Side

The ad side (left side of the court when serving) becomes crucial in high-pressure situations. Players often develop specific tactics for ad-court points, such as using wide serves or aggressive returns.

Servers may target the body or use slice serves on the ad court to disrupt rhythm.
Receivers often position deeper to handle powerful serves aimed at the backhand.
Mental focus intensifies, as a single unforced error can erase the hard-earned advantage.

Break Point Conversion Rates in ATP Matches (2024 Season)
Player	Break Points Faced	Break Points Saved	Saving Rate (%)	Ad Point Win Rate (%)
Novak Djokovic	168	121	72.0	78.3
Carlos Alcaraz	195	127	65.1	70.2
Stefanos Tsitsipas	176	112	63.6	67.8
Alexander Zverev	189	118	62.4	66.5
Taylor Fritz	203	114	56.2	61.0

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows a strong correlation between break point saving rates and ad point win rates among top ATP players. Novak Djokovic leads in both categories, highlighting his exceptional performance under pressure. Higher ad point win rates often reflect superior mental resilience and tactical execution during critical moments.

Common Questions About ‘Ad’ in Tennis

What does ‘ad in’ mean in tennis?

‘Ad in’ means the server has the advantage after winning a point at deuce. If the server wins the next point, they win the game.

What does ‘ad out’ mean in tennis?

‘Ad out’ means the receiver has the advantage after winning a point at deuce. If the receiver wins the next point, they win the game.

Can a game go on forever with repeated deuces?

Theoretically, yes, under traditional rules. However, in practice, players usually resolve the game within a few deuce cycles due to fatigue or errors. Some tournaments use tiebreakers to prevent excessively long games.

Is ‘ad’ used in all tennis competitions?

Most professional tournaments (Grand Slams, ATP, WTA) use ad scoring. However, recreational leagues and team formats like World TeamTennis use no-ad scoring for faster matches.

Why don’t they just use sudden death after deuce?

The ad system maintains tradition and tests a player’s ability to win consecutive points under pressure. Sudden death (no-ad) speeds up play but reduces the emphasis on consistency and mental strength.