Why is tennis scoring so weird? Let’s find out. When watching a tennis match, most of us do not understand what’s going on with the scoring system. Tennis scoring always seems so strange, and many people cannot comprehend it and wonder why the tennis game has to end after four points and why players win after scoring two points.
For tennis players, the scoring system has always been a fascination. But none of us really know why tennis is scored in this way. Therefore, in this guide, we are going to provide you with some interesting facts about tennis scoring to improve tennis skills.
So, let’s explore the exciting insights on why tennis scoring is so weird.
The Tennis Scoring System – Let’s Explore Why is Tennis Scoring so Weird
We all know that the fun sport starts when both players have a 0-0 score. In the tennis language, the players call this zero effect “Love”.
If the one play scores a point, it moves from 0 to 15 rather than going to one. If the same player scores another point, then it will become 30-0. However, if the opposing player scores his point, the scoreboard would become 15-15.
Now you are thinking that after 30, there comes 45, but that’s not true. There comes 40, and if both players score 40-40, that’s a tie and called Deuce. The player then must win 2 points in a row to win the game. Tennis lessons are usually the key to get yourself acquainted with the scoring system.
The Clock Face
It is believed that the tennis scoring system is based on the clock face, and the tennis score was shown on two clock faces. When one of the players scored, the face of the clock was also moved by 25% or to 15 minutes.
With another score, the clock face is then moved by another 25% or to 30 minutes. The process is repeated until the game has won and the clock face is at 60.
According to some of the tennis private classes’ critics, the verbal statement of 45 stopped being used and was shortened to 40 when the players stopped using the clock face.
History of Tennis Scoring
According to historians, the scoring system that is still in use has its roots in the traditional system. We found many references in the history matches between Henry V and the French Dauphin of 15, 30, and 45.
Also, in 1520, Erasmus wrote that we got 30 or 40 while he was referring to a dialogue between some players.
However, the original French system of tennis scoring was formed in the late 1600s and was designed in such a way as to make it easy to keep track of the scores of both players. Later, it was converted into the 15, 30, and 40 systems.
Over many years, the rules of tennis have been changing, but one thing has remained the same till today’s date: that is the scoring system based on the clock face and the information is available via tennis lessons for tennis pros. Historical evidence also helps lower stress for tennis players.
What About Love
Many people still wonder why the game starts at Love or why the zero effect is called Love. We have not found any solid evidence in the past that may have referred to the term love in the tennis game.
But some of the indications suggested that it was referring to a French term called l’oeuf, which means an egg. Because we usually use an egg to represent the shape of zero.
Why Players Must Win By Two Points
This rule was appointed to prevent the players from winning by only one point. They do this to maintain the game as competitive as possible.
So that the players have chances to take advantage of the mistakes of their opponents; also, this rule prevents the game from ending in a draw.
Conclusion
Tennis scoring is one of the weird sports yet it has a long history. We hope after reading this article, you will appreciate the tennis scoring system while watching your next tennis game. We hope now you know why is tennis scoring so weird.