How to read and keep a tennis score
A scoreline like 6-4 3-6 6-2 tells the whole match in three pairs of numbers. Reading it — and recording it correctly — saves arguments after the match and mistakes in your league ranking.
6-4 3-6 6-2
Sets and games
Each pair of numbers is a set, always from the match winner's point of view. In 6-4 3-6 6-2 the winner took the first set 6 games to 4, lost the second 3-6 and closed out the third 6-2.
A set ends when someone reaches 6 games with a 2-game lead (6-4, 6-3…). At 5-5 you play on to 7-5; at 6-6 comes the tiebreak and the set finishes 7-6. In best of three sets, winning two takes the match.
Tiebreak
In a tiebreak the count is numeric (1, 2, 3…): the first to 7 points with a 2-point lead wins. The set goes down as 7-6, and the tiebreak result is often shown in brackets — 7-6(4) means the loser won 4 points in the tiebreak.
Match tiebreak (super tiebreak)
Many amateur leagues replace the third set with a match tiebreak to 10 points, win by 2. It is recorded as a 1-0 set or as the points in square brackets: 6-4 3-6 [10-7].
Abbreviations in results
- W.O. (walkover): the opponent did not show up or withdrew before the match.
- Ret. (retirement): one player stopped during the match.
- Pro set: a single set to 8 or 9 games, common in league rounds with limited court time.
Recording it in your league ranking
Enter the games of each set in the order they were played, including the set the winner lost. That is what lets the ranking weigh a tight win differently from a 6-0 6-0. The match format (best of three, pro set, match tiebreak) is set by your league's rules.
Scoring rules are those of the ITF Rules of Tennis. Each match's format is defined by the circuit or league rules.
Now take it to the court
Find a league with a real ranking — or set one up for your club in minutes.