How does the scoring system work at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, has a unique scoring system that can be confusing for those who are not familiar with tennis. In this article, we will explore how the scoring system works at Wimbledon, breaking down its peculiarities and offering tips for better understanding and enjoying the game.

El formato del torneo

It is essential to understand the tournament format. Wimbledon takes place every year at the All England Club and is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Unlike other tournaments, Wimbledon uses grass surfaces, which influences the way players perform their game.

Each tournament has different categories, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Each of these events follows a single-elimination format, where players or pairs compete in rounds until champions are crowned.

The scoring system in tennis

El puntaje dentro de un juego

How does the scoring system work at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon uses a standard scoring system based on what is known as traditional tennis scoring. The scoring in an individual game goes as follows:

  • 0 points: Se dice que el jugador tiene "cero" puntos.

  • 15 pointsThe first point a player wins is called "15".

  • 30 pointsThe second point is called "30".

  • 40 pointsThe third point is called "40".

  • JuegoIf a player wins a fourth point without the opponent having won more than three, they score the "game".

    • practical

    Let's suppose that player A wins the first point, player B wins the second, then A wins the third, and B wins the fourth. The score would be as follows:

  • Player A: 15

  • Player B: 15

    • If player A wins the next point, the score will be updated to:

  • Player A: 30

  • Player B: 15

    • Esto se repite hasta que uno de los jugadores gane el correspondiente cuarto punto.

    Igualdad y ventaja

    If both players reach 40 points, it is called "deuce" (tied). From this position, a player needs to win two consecutive points to win the game. If a player wins a point after deuce, they are said to have "advantage". If they win another point, they win the game; if the other player wins the next point, it goes back to deuce.

    El impacto del tercer set

    At Wimbledon, men play best of five sets, while women play best of three sets. This means a player needs to win three complete sets to win the match in the men's category, and two sets in the women's category.

    Tiebreaks

    Wimbledon also uses a tiebreak system to determine the winner of a set if both players reach six games won. In a tiebreak, the minimum score to win is seven points, and a player must win by a margin of at least two points.

    Strategies to understand the scoring system

    Here are five tips that can help improve your understanding and enjoyment of the scoring system at Wimbledon:

  • Get familiar with basic punctuation.Understanding the basic terms of tennis (such as 'deuce', 'advantage', 'tiebreak') will help you follow the matches more easily.

  • When watching a game, try to keep score for each play. This will help you remember the terms and improve your fluency in the game.

  • Sigue el flujo del juegoBeing attentive to the pace of the game (i.e., how many points have been played, if there is a tie) can give you a better idea of how each set is unfolding.

  • Pay attention to crucial moments, like the advantages, that can change the course of the game.

  • Asiste a un partido en vivoExperiencing the stadium atmosphere can help you understand the game dynamics and scoring more intuitively.

  • When you're at the event, observe the audience and follow their reactions as the scores change.

  • Get a tennis results appUsing an app can provide you with real-time score updates, allowing you to follow a game even if you can't watch it live.

  • Prepare your mobile device with an app that follows Wimbledon and check its statistics while watching the match on TV.

  • Participate in discussion forumsJoining a tennis fan community can be useful for clarifying doubts about scoring and discussing strategies with others.

  • Participate in discussions about the players' performance during the tournament, helping to refine your understanding of the game.

    • Respondiendo preguntas comunes

  • Why is the score not numerical?

  • The scoring in tennis does not follow a conventional numerical format. This has historical roots and has been maintained over time. The scoring from 0 to 40 adds a unique character to tennis, unlike other sports.

  • How is the winner of a set determined?

  • To win a set, a player needs to win at least six games, and have a lead of at least two games over their opponent.

  • What happens if a player gets injured during a game?

  • If a player is injured, the referee assesses the situation. In some cases, the player may receive treatment, and if they cannot continue, they are withdrawn from the game.

  • ¿Puedes recibir un punto extra al ganar un juego?

  • In tennis scoring system, a player only scores one point for each game won, there are no extra points for winning a game outright.

  • What is an "ace"?

  • Un "ace" es un tipo de saque que el oponente no puede devolver. Ganar un "ace" es beneficioso, ya que no otorga oportunidad al oponente para marcar puntos.

  • What happens in case of a tie in the sets?*

  • If there is a tie in sets, such as when both players have won an equal number of sets, an additional set is played to determine the champion of the match.

    • Scoring system structure

  • Juego

    • Each game is made up of points, and the player needs to reach 4 points to win the game, unless there is a tie.

  • Set

    • Un set consiste en varios juegos, el en llegar a seis juegos, con al menos dos juegos de diferencia, se lleva el set.

  • Partido

    • The game consists of several sets; the first player to win the required number of sets wins the match.

    Understanding the scoring system of Wimbledon not only adds to the spectator experience but also allows you to appreciate the strategy and tension that characterize this iconic tournament. As you delve into the fundamental aspects of the game, your ability to follow the action will increase, allowing you to enjoy every moment on the court.