If you’ve ever watched a match and felt lost when the commentator shouted "love," "deuce," or "break point," you’re not alone. Tennis has its own vocabulary that can sound like a secret code. Knowing the basics helps you follow the action, enjoy the drama, and even chat with friends without Googling every word.
The scoring system is the heart of tennis lingo. A game starts at "love" (zero), then moves to 15, 30, and 40. When both players reach 40, it’s called "deuce" – essentially a tie where one player must win two consecutive points to claim the game. The first point after deuce is the "advantage" (or "ad"), and if the same player wins the next point, the game ends. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.
Other frequently heard terms include "break point" (a chance to win a game on the opponent’s serve) and "bagel" (a set won 6‑0). When a player wins a set 7‑6 after a tiebreak, you’ll hear "seven‑six" or "tiebreak win." These phrases pop up in every broadcast, so recognizing them makes the match much clearer.
Beyond scoring, players and commentators use a few key expressions to describe momentum and tactics. "Going for a winner" means trying to hit a shot that lands inside the court without a return. "Playing safe" indicates a more defensive approach, aiming to keep the ball in play rather than go for risky winners.
When a player says they are "on a roll," they mean they’ve won several points or games in succession. Conversely, "slipping" or "losing focus" signals a dip in performance. These words give you a feel for the mental side of the game, not just the numbers on the scoreboard.
Our tag page also features articles that dig deeper into specific terms. Check out the piece on "6 love in tennis" for a full breakdown of that iconic scoring phrase, and read about the "World No 1 male tennis player in 2025" to see how rankings affect the language we use around champions.
Now that you’ve got the basics, you’ll notice how much richer the sport feels. The next time you hear a commentator shout "advantage in," you’ll know exactly what’s at stake. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll sound like a seasoned fan in no time.
