Tennis Tiebreak Rules
Did you know tennis is the true symbol of friendship between the English and the French? The game traces its roots to medieval France. In the 12th century, some people started playing a game called Jeu de Paume. It was first played with hands, and the rackets were introduced later. In the upcoming years, the English loved it, and the popularity we know today is due to its popularization globally. This is how tennis draws an interesting line between these European people.
Today, tennis is more than a game. It is an Olympic sport that is extremely popular and beloved by all ages. Seniors love watching it on the TV or live, and children play it in the parks. It’s a game everyone loves, which is why it is so popular.
Tennis has many rules
Although it is the same sport, many tournaments will impose different rules on their competitors. One of the most notable differences across major tournaments is the number of sets played. Some tournaments are played in best-of-three sets, while others in five.
Additionally, some tournaments require players to play a tiebreak, while others follow the standard rule of a two-set difference to win. This is what led to the longest tennis match in history, the one between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. This historic match lasted an incredible 11 hours and 5 minutes and was played for three days, from June 22nd to June 24th. The match ended 3-2 for Isner, but the last set’s score was 70-68.
Both players struggled to get that break point but simply couldn’t tackle the opponents’ serve. Game after game, the set lasted for hours. If the tiebreaker is allowed, that wouldn’t have happened, although, theoretically, it is possible for the same scenario using both rules.
What is a Tiebreak in Tennis?
A tie break in tennis, or tiebreak is the moment when the set reaches a game score of 6-6. Instead of playing endlessly, like in the case of Mahut and Isner, the match will go into a tiebreak. In this case, both players win a “game”, with each point trying to reach seven games or seven won points.
The tennis tiebreak rules say that the player reaching seven points still must have a two-point difference so it can be 7-5, 8-6, etc. The tiebreak will go on indefinitely if no player makes a break point and gets the two-point advantage.
What is a Break Point in Tennis?
Break point is the chance for the receiver to win the game. It happens when the game’s score is 0-40, 15-40, 30-40, or 40-Ad. In this case, the next point won by the receiver breaks the serve of the opponent and wins the game although receiving. This is a crucial moment in every match as it gives a tremendous advantage to one player and a chance to make a three-game difference.
Most tennis players will win the games in which they serve because serving gives control over the situation. A fast and precise serve means a point won in most cases. Read more about the fastest serve in tennis on the link. If a player wins a break point, it means they are making a huge difference, and the set is going in their favor. One break point per game gives an enormous advantage to one of the players, and chances are great that they will win the match.
How does break point work in tennis?
So, what is the break point in tennis? The receiver must be highly successful in returning the ball on the opponent’s serve to reach the chance for a breakpoint. Of course, errors from the server are also an option. However, reaching the break point means both players must play for each point. The break point happens when the receiver gets the chance to win the game.
As mentioned above, this can happen only when the server didn’t reach the point of 40, and the receiver already is there, or when there was a deuce, and the receiver gained an advantage. If you want to know more about this rule, read and learn what is the point after deuce in tennis.
When the umpire announces the score, and there’s a chance for a breakpoint, the server is under significant pressure to not make a mistake. This is when players show their skills, experience, and courage. Some players will break under the pressure, while others will shine. Novak Djokovic is one of the players who plays even better when under pressure, which makes him one of the best tennis players in history.
What is the concept of the breakpoint?
You may say that the entire point of tennis is to get that break point. Without it, you can’t win a match. A player that never wins a break point can’t win the match. Many players will develop their tactics on how and when to pursue the breakpoint, as this is the crucial moment of each match.
Most players will save their strength for that particular moment when they decide it’s time to give their all. Then, they try to get in the zone, concentrating to the fullest and using all their power to return the ball on the opponent’s serve and win every point. Of course, if a chance occurs previously, they’ll do their best, but this happens if they are lucky or the other player struggles.
Tennis is an exciting sport, and these rules make it even more interesting. The moment of the break point in tennis is what keeps fans glued to their chairs and watching every moment with intensity. That’s what makes this game so fantastic.