Tennis tiebreaks and match formats, explained

The quick answer

A tiebreak is a short special game used to decide a set that has reached six games each. In the standard version, players score points as 1, 2, 3 and so on, and the first to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the set. Matches are commonly the best of three sets, but youth events use many different formats.

What is a tiebreak?

Normally a player needs to win a set by two games. That can go on for a long time if the players are evenly matched. A tiebreak prevents endless sets by squeezing the decision into one extra game. In standard rules, it is played when the set score reaches 6-6, though the exact rule at that score varies by event and level, so confirm the plan before play begins.

How a standard tiebreak works

1. Points are counted 1, 2, 3... instead of love, 15, 30, 40.
2. The first player to reach seven points wins, but must lead by at least two. If it reaches 7-6, play continues until someone is ahead by two.
3. The player whose turn it was to serve starts by serving one point.
4. After that, the serve passes to the opponent, who serves two points in a row, and so on, switching every two points.
5. Players switch ends of the court after every six points.
6. The player who served first in the tiebreak receives first in the next set.

Because the server changes so often, tiebreaks feel fast and tense. Calling the score out loud before every point matters even more here. For how the regular points work, see tennis scoring explained.

Common match formats

There is no single youth format. Here are several you may meet. Which one applies depends on your league, the age group and the day.

A tiebreak, point by point

Suppose Ava and Leo reach 6-6. Ava is next to serve, so she serves the first point alone from the right side. Leo then serves the next two points, starting from the left side and then the right. Then Ava serves two points, and so on. Whenever the total number of points played reaches six, twelve and so on, players switch ends. If Ava leads 6-5 and wins the next point, she wins the tiebreak 7-5, and the set. If Leo wins that point, it is 6-6 and play continues until someone leads by two.

Because players switch serves so often, many people find tiebreaks harder to track than regular games. A simple help is to ask players to say the score out loud, with the server's score first, before each point.

Tournament formats in plain English

• Single elimination: lose once and you are out. Fast, but some players only play one match.
• Round robin: every player or team plays everyone in their group, and results are added up. Everyone gets multiple matches.
• Consolation draw: players who lose their first match move to a second bracket so they still play more tennis.
• Team matches: several matches, such as singles and doubles, are played at once, and the team that wins more of them wins the contest.

Beginners are often better served by round robins and consolation draws, since they allow more court time. A good program for newer players will tell you the format in advance. See what to expect at a first youth tennis tournament.

Common mistakes

• Assuming every event uses the same format. Always read the event notes.
• Forgetting who serves first in a tiebreak. Agree on it before the first point.
• Mixing up the score system. A tiebreak uses 1, 2, 3, not 15, 30, 40.
• Stopping at 6-6 without asking. Some formats play on, others use a tiebreak, and the answer should be set before the match.

Tips for parents

• Check the format when you register or in the emailed schedule, so you know how long the match may last.
• Pack a snack and water, since a match with tiebreaks can run long.
• Remind your child that a tiebreak is a normal, quick way to settle a close set, not a reason to panic.
• Stay calm. Young players take their cues from the adults at the fence. For more on this, read tennis etiquette and sportsmanship.

Quick glossary

Tiebreak

A special game, usually played at 6-6, used to decide a set.

Match tiebreak

A longer tiebreak played in place of a deciding third set in some formats.

Round robin

A format where everyone in a group plays each other.

Consolation draw

A second bracket for players who lose their first match.

How long will a match take?

Match length depends on the format, the players and how many long games or tiebreaks occur. A short-set or timed format can finish quickly, while a best-of-three match with a tiebreak can take much longer. Plan for flexibility, bring snacks, and ask the organizer for an approximate schedule. Children play better when the adults around them are relaxed about the clock.

Why formats differ for kids

Organizers shorten formats so that more children can play and so that everyone finishes in a reasonable time. A format that gives each player several matches usually teaches more than one where half the players go home after one loss.

Sources and further reading

1. Tennis Scoring: Points, Sets & Games USTA
2. How Is Tennis Scored? Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Frequently asked questions

What is a tiebreak in tennis?

A tiebreak is a special game used to decide a set that has reached 6-6 in many formats.

How do you win a standard tiebreak?

Be the first to reach seven points with at least a two-point lead.

Who serves first in a tiebreak?

The player whose turn it is to serve starts with one point. After that, the serve changes every two points.

What is a match tiebreak?

A longer tiebreak played instead of a deciding third set in some formats.

What is a round robin?

A format where every player or team in a group plays everyone else, so each competitor plays several matches.