In the high-stakes world of tennis, few moments are as electrifying as a tiebreaker. When players reach a 6-6 deadlock in a set, the tiebreaker comes into play, offering a fast-paced showdown to determine the set’s victor.
Unlike traditional game scoring, where points progress from love to 15, 30, and 40, tiebreakers employ a straightforward numerical count. Every shot matters, and players can’t afford a single lapse in focus.
Serving rotates differently, players switch sides every six points and the pressure ramps up quickly. It’s not just about skill—it’s about handling nerves when the margin for error disappears.
When tiebreaks are used?
Tiebreaks are used in tennis when a set reaches a 6–6 score. This rule is applied in most professional tournaments to avoid sets dragging on indefinitely and to keep match durations manageable.
In singles matches, it’s standard for all sets—except sometimes the final one. In doubles, it’s often even more common, especially to decide matches instead of playing full third sets.
7-point format
The most common tiebreak format is the 7-point tiebreak, also called the “standard tiebreak.” The rules are simple: the first player to reach 7 points with a margin of at least 2 wins the tiebreak and the set.
Serving alternates after the first point, and then every two points after that. Players also switch ends after every six points. This format is typically used in all sets except the final one in some tournaments.
10-point match tiebreak
In some formats—especially doubles, junior events, and increasingly in deciding sets—a 10-point match tiebreak replaces a full third set. The first player or team to reach 10 points, with a two-point margin, wins the match.
This format, also called a “super tiebreak”, is commonly used in Grand Slam mixed doubles and ATP/WTA doubles matches to shorten match length and manage scheduling. It adds extra pressure because it’s often the final word in a closely fought contest.
Notable exceptions
Until recently, Grand Slam events each had their own rule for deciding the final set. For example, Wimbledon used to play out the final set until 12–12, only then triggering a 7-point tiebreak, according to the official site.
The Australian Open used a 10-point tiebreak at 6–6 in the final set, while the French Open had no tiebreak at all—players kept going until someone won by two games.
In March 2022, the four Grand Slam tournaments agreed to standardize the rule. Now, a 10-point tiebreak is played at 6–6 in the final set of all Grand Slam matches. This move was made to ensure fairness, player safety and consistency across events.