Tennis Rules
Tennis has one of the most distinctive scoring systems in sport — points called 0, 15, 30, 40, then game, with deuce instead of sudden death. Add the Grand Slam best-of-five format, the 10-point deciding-set tiebreak adopted across all four Slams in 2022, and rule variations like the shot clock and electronic line calling, and tennis can feel impenetrable to a new viewer. This hub explains every rule you actually need to follow a match.
Quick Answer
Tennis is scored in points (0, 15, 30, 40, game), games (first to 6 with a 2-game margin), and sets (best of 3 for women and ATP tour, best of 5 for men's Grand Slams). At 6-6 in a set, players play a 7-point tiebreak — except in the deciding set at all four Grand Slams since 2022, where a 10-point tiebreak is used. Matches are won by being the first to win the required number of sets. The modern game also uses a 25-second shot clock between points and electronic line calling on most pro courts.
The 5 Things You Need to Know
- Scoring goes 0, 15, 30, 40, game — and at 40-40 ("deuce") a player must win 2 consecutive points to win the game.
- A set is the first to 6 games, with a 2-game margin. At 6-6, players play a 7-point tiebreak.
- Matches are best of 3 sets on the ATP and WTA tours and at women's Grand Slams. Men play best of 5 sets at Grand Slams.
- The deciding set ends in a 10-point tiebreak at 6-6 — this rule applies at all four Grand Slams since 2022.
- You have 25 seconds between points (the shot clock), and most pro courts now use electronic line calling instead of human linespersons.
Tennis Rules in Detail
How Does Tennis Scoring Work?
The 0-15-30-40-game system explained, why deuce exists, where "love" comes from, and how a complete game is played out.
Read full guide →Tennis Tiebreak Rules (2026 Update)
When a tiebreak is played, how serves rotate, the difference between the 7-point and 10-point tiebreak, and the deciding-set rule at every Grand Slam.
Read full guide →How Many Sets in a Tennis Match?
Best of 3 vs best of 5: when each format applies, why men play longer at Grand Slams, and how doubles + Olympic finals are formatted.
Read full guide →Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Rules
Why does tennis use the 0-15-30-40 scoring system?
The most accepted theory is that medieval French scorers used a clock face, marking quarter-hour positions (15, 30, 45) for each won point. "45" became "40" to leave room for deuce-style adjustments. "Love" likely comes from the French "l'œuf" (egg), describing the round zero shape. The system has been used in something close to its current form since the 16th century.
Why is it called "love" for zero in tennis?
"Love" almost certainly comes from the French "l'œuf" — "the egg" — referring to the oval shape of a zero. The term predates modern English tennis vocabulary by centuries. An alternative theory holds it comes from the phrase "playing for love" (meaning, for nothing), but the egg explanation is favored by tennis historians.
What is deuce in tennis?
Deuce is the score 40-40. To win the game from deuce, a player must win two consecutive points. The first point gives them "advantage." If they win the next point, they win the game. If their opponent wins it, the score returns to deuce. This continues until one player wins two points in a row.
What is the shot clock in tennis?
The ATP and WTA tours use a 25-second shot clock between points (introduced full-time in 2018). The clock starts when the previous point ends, and the umpire issues a time violation if the server hasn't begun service motion when it expires. First violation: warning. Subsequent violations: loss of first serve.
When did Grand Slams unify the deciding-set tiebreak?
2022. Until then, the four Slams had different deciding-set rules: US Open had used a tiebreak at 6-6 in the final set since 1970; Australian Open switched to a 10-point match tiebreak at 6-6 in 2019; Wimbledon used a 7-point tiebreak only at 12-12 from 2019; and Roland Garros still played out advantage sets. In 2022 all four Slams harmonized on a 10-point tiebreak at 6-6 in the deciding set.
Is the racket size regulated in pro tennis?
Yes. The ITF rulebook limits rackets to a maximum length of 29 inches (73.7 cm) and a maximum width of 12.5 inches (31.7 cm). The strung surface can be no longer than 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) and no wider than 11.5 inches (29.2 cm). The strings must form a uniform pattern and the racket cannot have any built-in vibration or sensor technology that affects play.
What happens if a ball hits the net cord and lands in?
On any rally shot (forehand, backhand, etc.), a ball that clips the net and lands in the correct part of the opponent's court is in play — the rally continues. On a serve, a ball that clips the net and lands in the correct service box is called a 'let' and the serve is replayed. There is no limit on the number of consecutive lets a player can serve.