Law 7: Score in a Match

Two sets out of three win the match.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 7 · recall

A player needs a majority of the five sets.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 7 · recall

The fifth set decides it, unless a match tie-break has been chosen instead.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 7 · applied

In best of three it is one set all; in best of five, two sets all.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

One tie-break game decides the match instead of a full final set.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

Like a standard tie-break, it needs seven points and a two-point lead.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

It takes the place of the third set.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

Each score adds one more set played.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 7 · applied

With the sets shared, the tie-break stands in for the third set.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

The leader needs one more set; if the other side wins it, a fifth follows.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 7 · applied

First to ten, and two points clear.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

A 120-second set break comes before the match tie-break.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

Balls should not be changed before the match tie-break, even if due.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · applied

Service order carries on as if the match continued.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

Within a team, serving and receiving order may be changed as at a new set.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

It is played inside the final set, once it reaches 6-6.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Final set tie-break) · recall

A match tie-break replaces the final set; a final-set tie-break ends one that reached 6-6.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Final set tie-break) · recall

A set break, then service continues in the original order.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · recall

The fifth set is played out to 6-6 before the tie-break.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Final set tie-break) · recall

Ten points is not enough at 10-9; it continues until one side leads by two.

Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VI (Match tie-break) · applied