In our last blog, we talked about the terms you need to know to keep score in tennis and how to score a single game. In this part, though, we’ll explore how to score a set an ultimately win a match. 

Types of Sets

There are two basic kinds of set, and two ways to score those sets. An advantage set is the first type. In this kind of set, you’ll need to win six games. You’ll need to do it, though, at least two games ahead of the other person. Once you reach 6 – 6, for example, you’ll continue playing until someone wins at least two in a row. In a tiebreak set, though, things are a little different. In this case, a player or a team has to win six games. If you get to the point where the score is 6-6, you play a single tiebreak game to determine the winner. 

Tiebreak games are perhaps the most popular type, and they’re used in pro-tennis. The way this works is that the next person who was supposed to start the game serves one point to the deuce side of the court. The next two points are served by the opponent on the ad side. You switch ends of the court every six points. The first player who wins seven points (by at least two points) wins. 

How to Score a Match

Because the tiebreak is most common, the way to score that type of match is the best of three tiebreak sets. If you don’t win the first two, that third set actually determines the match. 

Still confused? Interested in learning more about tennis fundamentals and the scoring system? At Euro School of Tennis, we work with beginners just like you every day to help you do more with your next game, set, or match. Contact us today to learn how we can help.