Introduction
If you’ve ever looked at a tennis scoreboard showing 6–3, 4–6, 7–6(5) and wondered what it all means — you’re not alone. The tennis scoring system is unique and, at first, confusing. But once you understand how it works, every point tells a story.
In this guide, we’ll break down how tennis scoring works — from love to match point — and walk you through real match examples so you can follow any game confidently.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or preparing for your first match at Infinity Racquet Club, this guide will help you read tennis scores like a pro.
1. The Basics of Tennis Scoring
Tennis scoring has four layers: points → games → sets → match.
Points
Each game begins at love–love (0–0). Points progress as:
0 (Love) → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game
If both players reach 40, it’s called deuce.
From there:
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One more point = advantage
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Win the next point = game won
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Lose it = back to deuce
Games
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A player must win four points (and lead by two) to win a game.
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The server’s score is always called first (e.g., “30–love”).
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When the receiver wins a game while the opponent is serving, it’s called a break of serve.
Sets
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A player needs to win six games with at least a two-game margin (e.g., 6–4).
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If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is played.
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The tiebreak winner claims the set 7–6.
Match
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Matches are typically best of three sets for most events.
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The player who wins two sets first wins the match.
2. Example: Reading a Real Tennis Score
Let’s take a real match-style score:
6–4, 4–6, 7–6(5)
Here’s how to interpret it:
| Set | Winner | Score Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Player A | 6–4 | Player A won six games to four |
| 2nd | Player B | 4–6 | Player B fought back to equalize |
| 3rd | Player A | 7–6(5) | Final set decided by tiebreak (Player A won 7–5 in tiebreak) |
This means Player A won the match by two sets to one.
So when you see 7–6(5), the number in brackets shows the losing player’s points in the tiebreak.
3. Understanding the Unique Terms in Tennis Scoring
| Term | Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Zero points | Originates from “l’œuf,” French for “egg” (zero) |
| Deuce | 40–40 tie | Player must win two points consecutively |
| Advantage In (Ad-In) | Server wins point after deuce | One more point = game won |
| Advantage Out (Ad-Out) | Receiver wins point after deuce | One more point = game won |
| Break | Receiver wins a game | Big momentum shift |
| Tiebreak | Played at 6–6 | First to 7 points, must lead by 2 |
These terms are standard in every professional and amateur match, including UTR tournaments and academy matches at Infinity Racquet Club.
4. How to Read a Tennis Scoreboard in Real Time
Watching a scoreboard can seem confusing, but once you know what to look for, it’s simple.
Example 1:
Scoreboard shows: 6–2, 3–6, 6–4
→ Player A wins first set, loses second, wins third → Match to Player A.
Example 2:
Scoreboard shows: 4–6, 7–5, 6–1
→ Player A lost first set, but rallied to win next two → Strong comeback victory.
Example 3 (Straight Sets):
6–3, 6–2
→ Player wins two sets back-to-back, ending the match quickly.
Each score tells a story about rhythm, momentum, and player strategy.
5. Common Mistakes Beginners Make
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Mixing up points and games
→ Remember, a game is made of points, and sets are made of games. -
Thinking 40 means four points
→ It doesn’t. The scoring sequence (15, 30, 40) is just traditional. -
Ignoring the server’s position
→ Always announce the server’s score first (e.g., “30–love”). -
Not knowing the match format
→ Some events are best of three, others best of five (especially men’s majors).
6. Why Learning to Read Scores Helps Your Game
At Infinity Racquet Club, coaches emphasize score awareness as part of tactical training.
Here’s why:
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You’ll make smarter decisions under pressure (like at deuce or break points).
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You’ll track momentum shifts and adjust your strategy mid-match.
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You’ll build focus and competitive discipline.
Understanding scoring isn’t just for spectators — it’s a key mental skill for every player who wants to compete seriously.
7. Special Scenarios in Tennis Scoring
a) Tiebreaks
A tiebreak is played at 6–6.
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First to 7 points, win by 2 (e.g., 7–5).
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Final set tiebreaks in tournaments may go up to 10 points.
b) Advantage Sets
Some tournaments (like old Wimbledon formats) required players to win by two games even in the final set — leading to legendary scores like 70–68 in the 2010 Isner–Mahut match.
c) Match Tiebreaks (in Doubles)
In doubles, instead of a third set, a super tiebreak to 10 points often decides the winner.
8. Real-Life Example from a Professional Match
2024 US Open Example:
Score: 6–7(4), 7–5, 6–3, 3–6, 7–6(8)
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First set: Lost in tiebreak 6–7(4)
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Second: Won 7–5 by breaking serve late
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Third: Dominated 6–3
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Fourth: Lost 3–6
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Fifth: Won 7–6(8) in final-set tiebreak
This shows the physical and mental battles behind every scoreline — something our Elite Program players train to handle at Infinity Racquet Club.
9. Quick Scoring Reference Table
| Level | Win Condition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Point | 15, 30, 40, Game | 40–30 |
| Game | First to 4 points (by 2) | 4–2 points |
| Set | First to 6 games (by 2) | 6–4 |
| Tiebreak | First to 7 points (by 2) | 7–5 |
| Match | Best of 3 or 5 sets | 6–3, 4–6, 7–6(5) |
10. FAQs on Tennis Scoring Explained
Q1. Why does tennis use 15, 30, and 40?
It originated from French clock terms — 15, 30, 45 (later shortened to 40).
Q2. What does “love” mean?
It means zero, derived from the French word “l’œuf,” meaning egg.
Q3. What happens at deuce?
Players must win two consecutive points — one for advantage, one for game.
Q4. What does 7–6(4) mean?
The set went to a tiebreak, which was won 7–4 in points.
Q5. How can I practice scoring?
Join a local session at Infinity Racquet Club, where coaches guide players to keep and call their own scores correctly during matches.
Conclusion
Once you understand how tennis scoring works, every match becomes more exciting.
The next time you see a scoreboard flash 6–4, 4–6, 7–6(5), you’ll know exactly how close the battle was — and which moments decided it.
Want to learn tennis in a structured, beginner-friendly way?
Join a Free 30-Minute Trial Lesson or explore our Adult & Junior Programs at Infinity Racquet Club — where tennis lives and legends begin.
