Tennis is one of the most followed and practiced sports in the world. However, the scoring system can be confusing, especially for new fans. This article is designed to clarify how points are awarded and recorded in a tennis match, as well as to offer practical tips that can improve understanding and enjoyment of the game.
How does the scoring system in tennis work?
In tennis, matches are divided into games, sets, and sets. Each time a player wins a point, it is added to their total score. The scoring system is progressive and follows the following order:
Puntos:
0 points: "Love"

1 point: "15"
2 points: "30"
3 points: "40"
4 points: "Game" (if the player has at least a two-point advantage)
Esto significa que para ganar un juego, un jugador debe ganar al menos cuatro puntos y tener una ventaja de dos sobre su oponente.
If both players reach 40 points, a situation called "deuce" occurs (tied). To win the game from deuce, a player must win a point to gain the advantage and then win the next point to close out the game. If the player with the advantage loses the next point, it returns to deuce.
Para ganar un set, un jugador debe ganar seis juegos. Sin embargo, debe tener una ventaja de al menos dos juegos. Si ambos jugadores llegan a seis juegos, se puede jugar un tiebreak o continuar hasta que uno de los jugadores tenga una ventaja de dos juegos.
Los partidos pueden ser de tres sets (en competiciones femeninas) o de cinco sets (en competiciones masculinas de Grand Slam). Esto significa que un jugador debe ganar dos o tres sets para ganar el partido.
In tiebreaks, the scoring system changes slightly. Instead of 15, 30, and 40, players score points in a simple numerical format. The first to reach 7 points with a two-point advantage wins the tiebreak and, therefore, the set.
Tips for understanding tennis scoring
To better understand the scoring system, it is helpful to become familiar with tennis jargon. Advancing from "love" to "deuce" may sound confusing, but with practice, it becomes easier.
One of the best ways to understand how scoring works in tennis is to watch live matches. In addition to the entertainment, observing players handle different scoring situations can be educational.
You can practice keeping score while watching a match. This will not only help you understand the flow of the game, but will also make you feel more connected to the sport.
Tiebreaks are an essential part of modern tennis, so it's important to understand how they work. They can often decide the outcome of a set, and knowing how the scoring works will give you an advantage.
There are apps and devices designed to help fans keep track of match scores in real time. This can help you keep score accurately while enjoying a game.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre las puntuaciones del tenis
The term "love" comes from the French "l'oeuf," which means "egg." The oval shape of the egg is symbolic of zero, which explains its use in tennis scoring.
When both players reach 66, a tiebreak is usually played. In this format, the first player to reach 7 points wins the set, as long as they have a two-point advantage.
A "game point" is a player's opportunity to win a game. If the player wins this point, the game will be awarded in their favor.
Un “set point” es la oportunidad de un jugador de ganar un set. Al igual que en el game point, este debe ganarse para completar el set.
El derecho a servir se determina por un sorteo realizado antes del partido. El jugador que gane el sorteo puede elegir si quiere servir o seleccionar el lado de la cancha.
"Advantage" is a term used to describe the situation in which a player has a one-point lead when the score is deuce. To win the game, they must win the next point after gaining the advantage.
This article aims to break down tennis scoring to help you enjoy the sport even more. Whether you are a new fan or an experienced player, understanding the scoring is essential to appreciate every point and every game in the exciting world of tennis.