Law 6: Score in a Set

Six games wins it, but only two games clear.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

At 6-6 a tie-break game decides the set.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

An advantage set runs on until one side is two games clear.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

Either method may be used, as long as it is announced before the event.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

The final set may follow a different method, so it is announced too.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

The tie-break game counts as the thirteenth game, so the set ends 7-6.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

A set is only won with a two-game margin, unless a tie-break decides it.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

7-6 is a single game after a tie-break; 7-5 and 6-4 are both two-game margins, but the loser took more games in 7-5; 6-0 is a whitewash.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

From level at five, a game each, then the tie-break decides it.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · recall

Advantage sets have no tie-break: the set continues until there is a two-game lead.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 6 · applied

Short sets race to four games instead of six.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

The standard short set goes to a tie-break at 4-4.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

At its discretion, the tie-break can come at 3-3 instead.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

The Short Set tie-break is first to five points.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

Unlike the standard tie-break, it ends with one deciding point at 4-4.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

There is one change of ends, after four points have been played.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

The Rules leave the serving pattern of this tie-break to the sanctioning body.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

Five, seven and ten points.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

Level at three, a game ahead, level at four, then the tie-break.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · recall

Four games wins only with a two-game margin; at 4-3 the set goes on.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Short Sets) · applied