Tennis is one of the few global sports that retains a traditional yet complex scoring system rooted in its long history. Unlike linear point systems in sports like soccer or basketball, tennis uses a hierarchical format: points (15, 30, 40), games, sets, and matches. A player must win at least four points to win a game (with a two-point margin if tied at deuce), six games to win a set (again by at least two games), and usually two sets (in women’s matches) or three sets (in men’s Grand Slam matches) to win the entire match.
The introduction of tie-breaks in the 1970s added another layer of strategy and excitement. If a set reaches 6-6, a tie-break game (usually first to 7 points, win by 2) determines the set winner. However, the final set rules can differ by tournament. For example, Wimbledon now uses a first-to-10-point tie-break if the final set reaches 6-6, while the French Open requires a full two-game lead with no tie-break in the final set.
This intricate format not only tests a player’s physical endurance but also their mental resilience. The non-linear progression of scores, sudden-death moments like break points, and the strategic pacing needed to win long rallies and key games make tennis a mentally demanding sport. Its scoring format, although at times confusing to new fans, adds suspense and drama that keep both casual viewers and purists deeply engaged.
