Start with the server and scoreboard

For your first match, track three things: who serves, the current game score, and completed sets. Use the sections below as a courtside checklist.

Follow a point

After the toss and warm-up, players alternate service games. Serve diagonally; then exchange returns. A second bounce or an out ball loses the point; a line counts as in. First fault: serve again. Double fault: lose the point. Foot faults count as faults. A net-touching, otherwise good serve is a let: repeat that serve. ITF rules 9, 12, 14, 17–24 and 29.

Decode the score — ITF standard scoring
Display or termMeaning
Love, 15, 30, 40Zero, one, two, three points; server's score first.
30–40Receiver can win this game next point.
Deuce; advantage40–40; win two consecutive points from deuce.
SetSix games, two clear; at 6–6 play a seven-point tiebreak, two clear.
Tiebreak serviceOne serve first, then two each.

Recognise the rhythm

Players change ends after odd-numbered games. Normal changeovers allow 90 seconds; set breaks 120. No rest follows a set’s first game or tiebreak end changes. Glossary: server starts the point; receiver returns; let means replay. ITF rules 8, 10, 22–23 and 29.

Know which match you are watching

Our example is 2026 men’s ITF World Tennis Tour main-draw singles: win two sets, using advantage games and tiebreak sets. There is no timed extra period or shoot-out. Qualifying replaces the third set with a ten-point match tiebreak; doubles also uses no-ad games. Exceptional approved main-draw formats can replace the third set too. Do not transfer this format automatically to Grand Slams or junior events. World Tennis Tour regulations, III.E.

Listen during interruptions

Listen for announcements rather than expecting football-style cards. Code penalties progress from warning to point to game; default can end the match, including for a single offence. Medical treatment and weather can interrupt play. Electronic review is conditional on the system used: “call stands” confirms a decision; “call overturned” changes it. A broadcast replay alone does not establish an official review. World Tennis Tour regulations, Appendices E and G; Code IV.R–S.

Explore the moment you just saw

Find worked explanations in tiebreaks and scoring, service lets and foot faults, line calls and hindrance, and medical timeouts, code violations and challenges.

Rulebooks

Rule editions and sources