What Does Love Mean in Tennis? Scoring Explained

By Emma Wilson · May 15, 2027

In tennis, “love” means a score of zero. It is used to describe a player or team’s score when they have not yet won any points in a game, set, or match. This unique term is part of tennis’s traditional scoring system.

Understanding the Term 'Love' in Tennis Scoring

The word “love” in tennis signifies zero points. Unlike most sports that use “zero,” tennis uses “love” to denote a score of nothing. For example, if a player has not won any points in a game, the score is called “love-15” or “15-love,” depending on which player is ahead.

Why Is Zero Called 'Love' in Tennis?

The origin of the term “love” is widely debated, but the most accepted theory traces it back to the French word égalité, meaning “equality.” However, English speakers misheard it as “love,” associating it with the shape of a zero resembling an egg (“l’œuf” in French). Over time, “love” became standard in tennis terminology.

'Love' always means zero in any context: games, sets, or points.
It’s used verbally during scoring, e.g., “30-love.”
The term applies globally regardless of language.
Historical roots likely stem from 18th-century French tennis culture.
Unique to tennis among major sports.

Tennis Scoring System Explained

Tennis scoring is hierarchical: points make up games, games form sets, and sets determine the match winner. The use of “love” begins at the point level.

Point Scoring Sequence

Each game starts at love-all (0-0). Points progress as:

First point: 15
Second point: 30
Third point: 40
Fourth point: Game (if no deuce)

If both players reach 40, the score is deuce, requiring two consecutive points to win the game.

Usage of 'Love' Across Match Levels

'Love' appears at every level of scoring:

Game: “15-love” – one player has 15 points, opponent has zero.
Set: “6-0” is often described as “six-love,” indicating a bagel.
Match: A final score like 6-3, 6-love means one player won the second set without losing a game.

<2023> <2022> <2025> <2024> <2021>

Grand Slam Tournament	Year	Match Example	Score (Sets)
Wimbledon	Novak Djokovic vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas	7-6, 6-2, 6-love	Yes
US Open	Iga Światek vs. Ons Jabeur	6-2, 7-6	No
Australian Open	Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina	4-6, 6-love, 6-4	Yes
French Open	Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner	6-3, 6-love, 6-7, 6-3	Yes
Wimbledon	Ashleigh Barty vs. Karolína Plíšková	6-3, 6-love	Yes

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The table shows that scores with a “love” set (e.g., 6-love) are common at Grand Slam events, especially in dominant performances. Out of five recent matches, four included at least one set won to love, highlighting how frequently top players achieve shutout sets. This reflects high-level skill disparity in certain matchups.

Common Misconceptions About 'Love' in Tennis

Many new fans misunderstand the term “love” as indicating affection or emotional connection. However, it is purely a scoring term with no romantic implication.

Misconception: 'Love' means players are evenly matched.
Fact: It only means zero points, regardless of competition level.
Misconception: The term is modern slang.
Fact: It dates back centuries to early French tennis.
Misconception: 'Love' is used in all racket sports.
Fact: It is exclusive to tennis.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Love' in Tennis

What does 'love' mean in tennis scoring?

'Love' means zero points. It is used when a player has not scored any points in a game, set, or match. For example, '30-love' indicates one player has 30 points, the other has none.

Where did the term 'love' in tennis come from?

The most accepted theory is that it originated from the French word 'l'œuf' (the egg), symbolizing zero due to its shape. English speakers adapted it into 'love' over time.

Is 'love' used in all tennis competitions worldwide?

Yes, 'love' is universally used in professional and amateur tennis globally, regardless of the primary language of the country. It is standardized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Can a set be won 6-love?

Yes, winning six games to love is known as a 'bagel.' It indicates complete dominance in a set without losing a single game.

Does 'love-all' mean the same as 'deuce'?

No. 'Love-all' means 0-0 at the start of a game. 'Deuce' occurs when both players have 40 points (equivalent to 3 points each), requiring two consecutive points to win the game.