Tennis scoring: points, games and sets
Decode love, 15, 30, 40, deuce and set columns without mixing the different levels of a tennis score.
Points make a game
In a standard game, zero is love and the next points are 15, 30 and 40. A fourth point normally wins the game, except when both sides have won three points. At 40-40 the score is deuce.
In standard advantage scoring, one point after deuce gives advantage. Winning the next point wins the game; losing it returns to deuce. Alternative methods such as no-ad scoring exist, so confirm the event format.
Games make a set
The standard set formats in the ITF rules require six games with a two-game margin. A set can end 6-4 or 7-5. In a tie-break set, 6-6 leads to a tie-break. In an advantage set, games continue until the required margin.
A display such as 6-3 2-4 can show a completed first set and the games in the next. It is not a combined nine-to-seven score. Match the columns to the player names and read the completed sets before focusing on the current game.
Sets make the match
The match format determines how many sets are needed to win. A player leading the current set can still trail overall. The final column alone cannot tell you the whole situation.
A serve marker commonly identifies who is serving, but read the interface labels because presentation differs. Use ScoreZaap's current status and completed sets together. This guide describes standard scoring and noted alternatives, not a claim that every tournament uses the same set or tie-break format.