Why Do They Say Love in Tennis? Meaning & Origin

By Sarah Miller · August 20, 2039

In tennis, the term 'love' means a score of zero. This unique terminology originates from the French word 'l’œuf,' meaning 'the egg,' symbolizing zero due to the egg's oval shape resembling a zero on the scoreboard.

Why Is Zero Called Love in Tennis?

The use of 'love' for a score of zero is one of tennis's most distinctive linguistic quirks. It reflects the sport's rich history and cultural evolution, particularly its roots in France.

Historical Origins of the Term

The most widely accepted theory traces back to 18th-century France, where tennis was first popularized.
French players used the phrase 'l’œuf' (the egg) to describe a player with no points, as the shape of an egg resembles a zero.
English-speaking players misheard or anglicized 'l’œuf' into 'love.'
This linguistic adaptation became standardized in global tennis scoring by the 19th century.

Alternative Theories

While the French origin is dominant, other theories exist:

Spirit of the Game: Some believe 'love' refers to playing for the 'love of the game' despite having no points.
Dutch Influence: A less-supported theory suggests Dutch players used 'lof,' meaning 'honor,' implying players continue for honor rather than points.

However, historical evidence strongly favors the French etymology.

Tennis Scoring System Explained

Tennis uses a non-decimal scoring system: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and game. Understanding this structure helps contextualize why 'love' fits naturally within the sport's traditions.

Scoring Breakdown

Love: 0 points
15: First point won
30: Second point won
40: Third point won
Game: Fourth point won (with proper advantage rules)

Global Usage and Acceptance

'Love' is universally recognized in professional and amateur tennis worldwide. Its persistence highlights the sport’s adherence to tradition despite modernization in other areas.

Country	Term for Zero Points	Language Origin	Tournament Level Usage
United States	Love	Anglicized French	Grand Slam, ATP, ITF
United Kingdom	Love	Anglicized French	Wimbledon, ATP, ITF
Australia	Love	Anglicized French	Australian Open, ITF
France	L’œuf	French	Roland Garros, ITF
Germany	Null	German	ATP Tour (local commentary)

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that 'love' is the standard term across major English-speaking tennis nations and Grand Slam events. Even in non-English contexts like France, a cognate ('l’œuf') persists, reinforcing the French origin theory. Germany's use of 'null' in local commentary contrasts with international broadcasts using 'love,' highlighting the term's dominance in global tennis discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why They Say Love in Tennis

Why do they say love instead of zero in tennis?

The term 'love' comes from the French word 'l’œuf,' meaning 'the egg,' which symbolizes zero due to its shape. English speakers adapted it phonetically into 'love' over time.

Is 'love' used in all tennis tournaments worldwide?

Yes, 'love' is used in all four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) and by the ATP, WTA, and ITF in official scoring and commentary.

Does 'love' mean you still love the game even with no points?

While poetic, this is a folk explanation. The real origin is linguistic, stemming from the French 'l’œuf.' The 'love of the game' idea is a common misconception but not historically accurate.

When did tennis start using the term 'love'?

The term appeared in English tennis literature by the mid-1800s, coinciding with the formalization of modern tennis rules in Britain, though its roots go back to earlier French court tennis.

Are there other sports that use 'love' for zero?

No, 'love' is unique to tennis. Other racquet sports like badminton or squash use 'zero' or 'nil,' making this term a distinctive feature of tennis culture and commentary.