Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Tennis

There are four points to win a game, six to win a set, and 2 or 3 sets to win a match (depending on what tournament players play or their gender). Tennis can be baffling for the novice watcher. Yet, tennis is a fast-paced game with several elements that make it exciting to watch. Tennis evolved from ‘real tennis’, an ancient indoor game, and ‘lawn tennis’ became popular in Victorian-era Great Britain, leading to the modern game played today.

Tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports, typically played between two players (singles) or two teams of two (doubles), known as opposing players. Tennis requires a racquet and ball to play on a standard rectangular court refereed by an umpire. The first tennis clubs played a significant role in formalising the sport and its early organisation. Three linesmen (also women) are situated at each end of the court. The court is separated into two halves by a net, one for each opponent. A tennis match requires either two or three sets to win. A player must win a series of games within each set, typically two ahead of their opponent, and at least six games won.

The International Lawn Tennis Federation was established in Great Britain to standardise the rules and organise international tournaments, helping to shape the modern rules and structure of the sport.

Should both opponents win 6 games each, a tie-break is required. Players score points by hitting the ball, known as the “serve,” to their opponent, who attempts to return it by hitting it back within the court. Break points are crucial moments during a game when the receiver can win a game on the server’s serve, potentially shifting the match’s momentum. If the ball goes out of play, then the point is awarded to the player who “failed” to keep it in play.

The modern rules of tennis are enforced by officials such as the umpire and linespeople and have evolved to create a consistent and regulated version of the sport.

Scoring in Tennis

Tennis scoring points are the same as learning a new language; rather than simpler numerical scoring, tennis is extraordinarily different. For example:

• No points on the board, known as “Love.”

• The first point scored is known as “15.”

• The second point becomes “30.”

• The third point, or after three points are won, the score is “40.”

• The fourth point scored, the “Game” is awarded to the player who reaches this first.

The player serving score is always called first, for example, 30-15. Should the current game score reach 40-30, the serving player requires one additional point to win that game. However, if the opposing player wins the next point, rather than the score being 40-40, the score is known as “deuce.” Both players now require two more points to win that particular game.

From deuce, the game becomes a little complex. Should the serving player score the next point, the score is “advantage server.” However, if the opposing player (the one receiving the serve) scores next, the score is then “advantage receiver.” If either player with “advantage” wins the next point, they will win the game.

Note though, if the player who does not have “advantage” wins the next point, then the score reverts to “deuce”, and both players must win a point to gain “advantage.” This scoring continues until one player wins two points in a row.

If a player faults on their first serve, they are allowed a second serve. The second serve is crucial, giving the player another chance to start the point and maintain a competitive edge. If both serves are faults, it is called a double fault and the point is lost.

Many matches are played as best-of-three sets, especially in regular tournaments and women’s events.

Tennis court surfaces

A tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide for singles matches and 36 feet (10.97 m) wide for doubles matches. Tennis courts are either indoors or outdoors, and can be made out of clay, grass or be a hard court – typically made from asphalt, acrylic or concrete. The surface type can significantly affect the bounce and speed of tennis balls during play. Official tennis balls used in matches must meet specific standards set by the International Tennis Federation to ensure consistency and fairness.

Clay courts

Made of crushed shale, stone or brick and more common in Europe and Latin America, clay courts reduce the ball’s speed and produce a higher bounce than other courts. Because of this, server-based players (those with fast, powerful serves) struggle on this type of court. Players who excel at rallies are perfect for clay courts. The leading clay court tournament is the French Open, which is played on orange clay.

Grass courts

The fastest court in use is grass courts, which are made of grown grass on thoroughly packed soil. Grass courts are excellent for those with big serves or serve-and-volley players, as the ball skids off the court quicker. Bounce on grass courts can vary, depending on the grass – if it is freshly grown or has shown signs of play. The newer grass is bouncier; worn turf removes the bounce. Nevertheless, rallies on grass courts are very short as players find it harder to reach the fast-paced ball. Wimbledon’s oldest Grand Slam tournament is played on a grass court.

Hard courts

Hard courts are made from either concrete, asphalt, acrylic, synthetic clay, artificial grass, or even a combination of all these materials. Hard courts are generally more balanced than clay or grass, not as fast, but offer some bounce to aid in rallies. Hard courts favour players who like to play from the baseline, hitting the ball hard to return up the court. The Australian and US Open play on hard courts, with the US Open playing outdoors and the Australian Open indoors.

Indoor courts

Because they are not impacted by adverse weather conditions, are cheaper to produce and provide medium bounce and pace, indoor hard courts are the most common type of court. As with all hard courts, their variation is dependent on the materials used in their creation. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam to be played on an indoor hardcourt.

List of tennis terms and jargon

If you are a novice to tennis, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with some of the terms so that you can enjoy the game.

Ace – When a point is scored immediately during the serve of the serving player. Typically, the ball is served so fast, that the opposing player cannot return.

Advantage – Once the score reaches 40 apiece, and deuce is called. Either player must score the next point to obtain “advantage.” Should the other player score next, the “advantage” is lost.

Advanced players – Players who use sophisticated techniques and strategies, such as powerful serves, spin shots, and deceptive plays, to gain a competitive edge.

Backhand – When the player strikes the ball with the backhand facing down the court. Can be either a one or two-handed backhand stroke.

Ballboys and ballgirls are situated at the back of the courts and next to the net. Their roles are to collect the balls and return to the serving player.

Baseline – The line at the back of the court.

Crosscourt – A diagonal shot that is played where the ball moves “across” the court.

Double Fault – If the serving player faults twice in a row, they give the opposing player a point, thus obtaining a double fault.

Doubles team – A pair of players competing together in doubles matches, working as a unit against another pair.

Deuce – When the score is 40 apiece.

Drop Shot – A volleyed shot that drops just over the net, making it unlikely that the opposing player can get and return.

Fault – Occurs when a player fails to land the ball inside the service area during a serve. Should this happen twice, a double-fault occurs, with the player losing a point.

Linesman – Or Lineswoman is an official who sits at the rear of the court looking for whether balls are in or out on the lines.

Lob – When the ball is hit high in the air with the aim of landing it behind the opposing player.

Mixed doubles – A format where teams consist of one male and one female player, featured in major tournaments and the Olympics.

Net – The dividing barrier that players seek to strike the ball across. Placed in the centre of the court, separating into two halves.

Notable players – Athletes recognized for their achievements, exceptional skills, or influence in the history and development of tennis.

Players compete – Refers to how professional tennis players compete in various tournaments, such as Grand Slams and ATP events, for ranking points and titles.

Rally – When players make consecutive shots, backwards and forth, the shots are known as a “rally.”

Serve – To begin play, players must strike the ball with an overhead motion.

Singles title – A championship won in a singles event, often marking a significant achievement in a player’s career.

Third set – The deciding set in a match when the first two sets are split, sometimes played as a traditional set or a super tiebreaker.

Umpire – The match official who keeps score during the entire tennis match.

Winner – Scoring winners are scoring shots that beat the opposing player.

Tennis Grand Slam tournaments

All tennis players aspire to win the four major championships—Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open—each calendar year. These tournaments are the world’s most prestigious tennis events, offering the biggest prize money and playing a defining role in a player’s career.

The Open era, which began in 1968, marked a turning point by allowing professional tennis players to compete alongside amateurs in major championships. This shift led to the rise of professional tennis circuits, with the ATP Tour for men’s tennis and the WTA Tour, organised by the Women’s Tennis Association, for women’s professional tennis. The distinction between amateur and professional tennis was effectively removed, paving the way for the sport’s global growth.

Winning one major championship in their career is a massive achievement for players. Winning several tournaments exemplifies a player as outstanding. Achieving success in both singles and doubles during the same career period is a rare and notable accomplishment. Winning at least one of every Grand Slam tournament is known as a Career Grand Slam, with only 8 men in men’s tennis and 10 women in women’s singles achieving the feat.

Each Grand Slam presents its own challenges, including the type of court surface, weather conditions, and, yes, the dress code! Modern tennis continues to evolve with advancements in training methods, equipment, and tournament structure, shaping the contemporary game played at the highest level.

The Australian Open

First played in 1905 and occurring in mid- to late January every year at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, the Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the calendar year. Played on blue indoor hard courts, it offers a medium-paced game played under a closed roof, which can create a raucous atmosphere for the players to compete.

Serbian Novak Djokovic holds the most men’s singles titles at the Australian Open with an impressive 10 championships, surpassing Australian Roy Emerson and Swiss legend Roger Federer. On the women’s side, Australian great Margaret Court remains the record holder with 11 singles titles won between 1960 and 1973.

As of 2025, the tournament offers a record total prize pool of A$96.5 million, with both the men’s and women’s singles champions earning A$3.5 million each.

The French Open, Roland Garros

Founded in 1891 and played in Paris, France, in late May/early June, the French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is played on orange clay courts. This makes it the slowest surface to play tennis on, and hence, there are a lot of rallies. Because it is the only clay court Grand Slam, the French Open is the pinnacle spring clay court season event, and a coveted French Open title is a major achievement for any player.

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal holds the record for the most men’s singles titles at the French Open, having secured an unparalleled 14 championships between 2005 and 2022. Other notable champions include Andre Agassi, who won the French Open title in 1999 to complete his career Grand Slam, further cementing his legacy in tennis history. His dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros is further underscored by an extraordinary 112–4 win-loss record at the tournament, earning him the moniker “King of Clay.”

American Chris Evert stands atop the record books with seven French Open singles titles in the women’s game, a testament to her exceptional prowess on clay surfaces. Aryna Sabalenka, a top-ranked player and recent Grand Slam champion, has emerged as a strong contender in the current French Open campaign, aiming to add a French Open title to her achievements. French star Caroline Garcia, a prominent figure in women’s tennis, has competed in multiple French Open campaigns and remains a key player for the home crowd.

As of 2025, the French Open’s total prize purse is €56.352 million, marking an all-time high for the tournament. The men’s and women’s singles champions receive €2.55 million each, reflecting the event’s commitment to rewarding sports excellence.

The Championships, Wimbledon

Established in 1877, the Championships, known as Wimbledon, is the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Played in late June/early July in London, United Kingdom, Wimbledon is unique in that the players are only permitted to wear all-white kits. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament to be played on grass, making it the fastest surface, leading to players scoring a lot from “aces” – scoring from the serve as the speed is so quick, players find it hard to return the ball and begin a rally.

Swiss legend Roger Federer holds the record for the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles, having claimed the championship eight times. Czech-American Martina Navratilova is the all-time leader with nine Wimbledon singles titles on the women’s side.

In 2024, Wimbledon set a new record for total prize money, offering £50 million across all events. The men’s and women’s singles champions received £2.7 million each, reflecting the tournament’s commitment to equal prize distribution.

The US Open

Founded in 1881, the US Open is played in New York City, USA, at Flushing Meadows and, like the Australian Open, is played on hard courts, but with the difference that this tournament is held outdoors. The tournament’s historical roots trace back to early events held in Newport, Rhode Island, a location that remains significant in American tennis history. Played in late August/early September, the US Open is the final event in the Grand Slam calendar.

American players Richard Sears, Bill Larned, and Bill Tilden each hold the record for the most men’s singles titles at the US Open, with seven victories apiece. In women’s singles, fellow American Molla Bjurstedt Mallory leads with eight titles, making her the most successful female player in the tournament’s history.

The 2024 US Open set a new benchmark in tennis, offering a record-breaking total prize pool of $75 million. The men’s and women’s singles champions received $3.6 million each, underscoring the event’s status as the most lucrative Grand Slam in the sport.

Tour Finals

Established in 1970 and known as the unofficial ‘5th slam,’ the ATP Finals is the prestigious season-ending championship of the ATP Tour. It features the top eight singles players and doubles teams based on their performance throughout the year. Since 2021, the tournament has been held at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, and played on indoor hard courts.

Serbian Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most singles titles at the ATP Finals, with six victories. In 2024, Italian Jannik Sinner made history by winning the tournament undefeated, becoming the first Italian to claim the title and earning a record-breaking $4,881,500 in prize money—the highest ever awarded at a single tennis tournament.

The 2024 edition of the ATP Finals featured a total prize pool of $15,250,000. An undefeated singles champion could earn up to 1,500 ATP ranking points, with prize money distributed as follows:

• Participation fee: $331,000

• Round-robin match win: $396,500

• Semi-final win: $1,123,400

• Final win: $2,237,200

• Undefeated champion total: $4,881,500

The ATP Finals offers substantial financial rewards and significant ranking points, making it a highly coveted title among the world’s elite tennis players.

Other tennis tournaments

Davis Cup

Established in 1900, the Davis Cup is men’s tennis’s premier international team event. Often referred to as the “World Cup of Tennis,” it features national teams competing in a knockout format. The United States holds the record with 32 titles, followed by Australia with 28. Italy clinched the most recent title in 2024, defeating the Netherlands in the final.

Billie Jean King Cup

Formerly known as the Fed Cup, the Billie Jean King Cup is the leading international team competition in women’s tennis. Initiated in 1963, it was renamed in 2020 to honour the legendary Billie Jean King. The United States leads with 18 titles, while the Czech Republic has secured 11 championships.

Hopman Cup

The Hopman Cup is a unique mixed-gender team event that began in 1989. Each team is comprised of one male and one female player representing their country. The United States has been the most successful nation, winning the title six times.

ATP Masters 1000

The ATP Masters 1000 series consists of nine prestigious tournaments that rank just below the Grand Slams. These events are held annually across various global locations. Novak Djokovic holds the record with 40 Masters 1000 titles, followed by Rafael Nadal with 36.

Olympic Games

Tennis has been a part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896, with a hiatus between 1924 and 1988. Winning an Olympic gold medal is considered one of the sport’s highest honours. Notably, Novak Djokovic secured his first Olympic gold in men’s singles at the 2024 Paris Games, completing his Career Golden Slam (winning all Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic Games).

How to bet on tennis: know the game

With this tennis guide, you should have enough to watch and bet on your first tennis match. Of course, there is much more to learn, but master these basics, and you’ll find yourself begging to know more about this fast-paced game played throughout the sporting calendar year.

Now that you understand the fundamentals of tennis—from scoring formats and court surfaces to momentum swings and player matchups—you’re better equipped to follow the action with clarity and confidence.

During live betting, tennis betting allows you to wager on match winners, total sets, number of games, correct scores, and even point-by-point outcomes. The global tennis calendar offers year-round betting opportunities across ATP, WTA, Challenger, and Grand Slam events.

Smart fans go beyond rankings. They study current form, surface preferences, head-to-head records, injury reports, and even travel schedules between tournaments. Recognising how a clay specialist might struggle on grass or how fatigue impacts a player in the later rounds can shape more informed betting decisions.

If you’re new to tennis betting, follow trusted betting tipsters who specialise in specific tours or markets. More advanced punters can use arbitrage betting software to track odds across bookmakers and uncover guaranteed value.

Understanding tennis tactics and betting angles gives you an edge, whether watching a Grand Slam final or a late-night Challenger match.

Tennis isn’t just about big serves and blistering rallies—it’s a test of endurance, precision, and mental toughness from first point to match point.