Understanding Tennis with Zero Foundation | Popula...

Can't understand scoring when watching tennis for the first time? Can't distinguish between game, plate, and match? Can't understand when to switch sides and when to pause? We will use the simplest and most straightforward language to explain the rules of professional tennis matches in one go, which is beginner friendly and essential for watching matches.   


 
 
1、 Basic Core: How is tennis scored?          
  
Tennis scoring is different from regular sports in that it adopts a special scoring method. The scoring rules for a single game are as follows: 1. Scoring order: 0 (zero point) → 15 → 30 → 40 → Scoring to win the game; Winning one point is called 'taking the lead', taking the lead and winning one more point wins, losing points returns to a tie. 3. Service rules: Each game is served by a player alone, and the server is changed after the end of the game; Each player has two serve opportunities per game, and double mistakes (two serve errors) result in direct loss of points.   
  
  
2、 Hierarchical relationship: Bureau → Plate → Whole game






1. Game: The minimum scoring unit, winning 6 games is considered as winning one game. 2. Plate: The professional women's tournament (WTA) adopts a three set, two win system, and the player who wins the first two sets wins the entire match. 3. Competition: Multiple sets of matches are combined to determine the ultimate winner.   
  
  
3、 Key Rule: Grab Seven; Inter game victory/defeat determination






1. Regular handicap: One side takes the lead of 6 games and leads the opponent by more than 2 games, directly winning the game (e.g. 6:2, 6:4). 2. Tiebreak: When the score is tied at 6-6, a tiebreak will be held to determine the winner. The tiebreaker adopts the conventional scoring system of 1, 2, and 3. The first one to score 7 points and lead by 2 points wins, and the tiebreaker winner wins the set.   
  
  
4、 Competition process: Edge changing, rest time (official standard)
  
1. Edge swap timing: After the first, third, fifth and other odd numbered games of each set, players from both sides will switch fields; Change sides every 6 points in a seven game match. 2. Rest duration: 90 seconds for regular edge changing rest; Rest for 120 seconds between plates. 3. Medical suspension: Professional competitions only allow injuries or sudden muscle conditions to apply for medical suspension, and there is no arbitrary rest adjustment time.   
  
  
  
5、 Penalty rules: Which balls are considered in/out of bounds?                  
  
1. Pressure ball: If any part of the sphere is pressed against the edge or bottom line white line, it is considered a good ball within the boundary. 2. Out of bounds ball: When the ball completely leaves the outside of the white line, it is judged to be out of bounds and the opponent scores. 3. Wiping and resending: If the serve is wiped and falls into the valid serving area, it will be judged as a clean and resend once free of charge; Proactively hitting the ball, wiping the net and falling within the bounds, the game continues to be valid.   
  
  
6、 Exclusive Supplement for WTA Women's Events
  
1. Competition format: All games adopt a three set two win format, with no long set tough battles. 2. There is no additional pause between sessions, only drinking water and adjusting equipment during designated rest periods. 3. Doubles rules: Two pairs of players serve alternately, and the 1st, 3rd, and 5th innings of each set switch sides. The scoring rules are the same as singles. Understand the rules, understand every point of the game. Tennis is not about luck, every game and every point is a competition of strength.