How does a tie-break work in tennis?
B · Beginner · How do you score and win? · 3 of 8A tiebreak is one game that decides a set at six games all. Points are counted 1, 2, 3. The first player to seven points, with a lead of two, wins the game and the set 7-6. The first server serves one point; after that, each player serves two points in turn.
How it works
- First to seven points, two clear. It continues past seven until someone leads by two.
- The player whose turn it is to serve serves the first point, from the right side.
- The opponent serves the next two points, starting from the left side. Then two each in turn.
- The players change ends after every six points.
- In doubles, the serving order within each team stays as it was in the set.
- The player who served first in the tie-break receives first in the next set.
Tricky cases
Is a tie-break to seven or to ten?
It depends on which one. A tie-break that decides a set is to seven. A match tie-break played in place of a final set, or a final-set tie-break at 6-6, can be to ten.
Who serves first in the next set?
The player who received the first point of the tie-break.
Do players rest when they change ends in a tie-break?
No. Play is continuous during a tie-break; they change ends without a break.
Why the rule exists
It ends a level set quickly and fairly: both players serve the same number of points, and changing ends shares the sun and wind.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tie-break | To seven; ends changed every six points | L5 b, 10 |
| Alternative change of ends, if the event uses it | After the first point, then every four points | App VI |
| Final-set tie-break, if the event uses it | To ten at 6-6 in the final set | App VI (5) |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules 5 b, 10, 17 and 29 and Appendix VI. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).