Tennis
A simple guide to the rules of tennis
Whether you're a first-time fan or in need of a timely refresher ahead of a Grand Slam, we'll break down the rules of tennis in a way that's easy to understand.
If you're a casual fan or are completely new to the game of tennis, then it can be hard to work out exactly what's going on. The scoring system certainly takes some getting used to, while terms such as "deuce", "advantage" and "tie-break" can make it sound as though the racket sport has its own language.
But don't worry, here's everything you need to know about the rules of tennis so you can follow every match with confidence.
01
Points, games and sets
The easiest way to understand tennis scoring is to think of it as building blocks. You win points to win a game, games to win a set, and sets to win the match. Once you've got that sequence clear, the system starts to make much more sense.
Why is the score 15, 30, 40, game?
That’s THE question everyone asks. Why not count 1, 2, 3? Excellent question. Even tennis historians don’t all agree on the exact origin of this system (yes, really).
In practical terms, just remember this:
- first point: 15
- second point: 30
- third point: 40
- fourth point: game, provided you’re two points ahead.
Simple. Well… almost.
What happens if the players reach 40-40?
When both players reach 40-40, it’s called deuce. From that point on, it’s impossible to win with a single point. A player must take the advantage, then win the next point. If they lose that point, then the score goes back to deuce.
Showing sportsmanship is one of tennis' unwritten rules
© Brett Hemmings/Red Bull Content Pool
How many games does it take to win a set?
To win a set, you need to win six games. However, it's not quite that straightforward as you also need to be two games ahead of your opponent.
For example:
- 6–4: set won
- 6-3: set won
- 6-5: play continues until 7-5
And if both players reach 6-6, it’s time for the famous tie-break.
The importance of the tie-break
A tie-break is where the pressure really ramps up. The score resets, the rules simplify, and every point counts: 1, 2, 3… The first player to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the set. If neither player can create that gap, the tie-break keeps going until someone does.
Every point counts in tennis, which leads to some entertaining encounters
© Gabriele Seghizzi/Red Bull Content Pool
How many sets does it take to win a match?
The number of sets required to win a match depends on the tournament. For ATP (men’s) and WTA (women’s) 1000/500/250 tournaments, matches are played to the best of two sets.
In the men’s draw, at the four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open), players must win three sets. In the women’s draw, they must win two.
This is why some matches in the men’s draw turn into real marathons. When two specialists refuse to give up a single point, the match can last for several hours.
What is the super tie-break?
When both players trade blows right to the very end, a conclusion worthy of the spectacle is sometimes needed. That’s where the super tie-break comes in.
The principle is simple. Instead of playing a full set, the two players contest a tie-break to 10 points (instead of 7), still requiring a two-point lead to win. Every rally then becomes crucial, as just a few points are enough to turn the whole match on its head.
In Grand Slam tournaments such as the US Open, the super tie-break is played when the final set reaches 6-6. At most other ATP and WTA tournaments, however, the match concludes with a standard 7-point tie-break if the players reach 6-6 in the third and final set.
This rule prevents endless marathons without detracting from the suspense. Suffice to say that the players’ nerves – and those of the spectators – are put to the test right up to the very last point.
You need to win points, to win games, to win sets, to win a match
© Lukáš Wagneter / Red Bull Content Pool
Bring your tennis knowledge up to speed
02
Rules you absolutely must know
Even if you know most of the basics, there are sure to be some rules that catch you out. These are some of the most common queries that come up when watching a tennis match.
What happens if the ball hits the line?
It’s in. Even if it just grazes the line by a millimetre.
What about if the serve hits the net but lands in the correct box?
The serve is replayed. This is called a let.
Can a player request a video review?
Yes. At major tournaments, technology is used to check whether a ball is in or out. That helps avoid some disputes… or create others.
Can you touch the net?
Yes, but not during the rally. If a player touches the net with their body, racket or clothing whilst the ball is still in play, they immediately lose the point. Once the rally is over, however, it’s no problem.
Can you serve after tossing the ball but not hitting it?
Simply, no, you cannot serve after tossing and then catching the ball without hitting it. This is considered a fault. If it’s the first serve, treat this as a warning for the second serve, which must be executed perfectly or you’ll lose the point.
Fair play is essential for a match to run smoothly
© Brett Hemmings/Red Bull Content Pool
03
The unwritten rules of tennis
Tennis also has its own code of conduct. These gestures aren’t written into any set of rules, but they’re part of the game.
For example, if your opponent has come to the net, avoiding hitting them square in the chest is generally appreciated.
Similarly, when a ball hits the net before landing on the correct side and wins you the point, tradition dictates that you briefly raise your hand to apologise. No one will hold it against you for taking the point, but acknowledging a stroke of luck is part of good court etiquette.
Another classic: if the first serve is called good, but you know it was a fault, there’s no need to celebrate the point as if you’d just won Wimbledon. Many players choose to replay it out of sportsmanship. The same applies when your opponent slips or breaks a string in the middle of a rally: you win the point, but you avoid showing too much joy.
Finally, you wait until your opponent is ready before serving, you avoid talking or moving whilst a player is preparing to hit the ball, and you clearly call out faults when playing without an umpire. In tennis, respect for your opponent counts for almost as much as the quality of your forehand. You play to win, but always with fair play. And that’s a rule that all the great champions follow.