How does tiebreak work in tennis?


How does tiebreak work in tennis?

John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon

Tennis matches have seen spectacular moments where players battle cut-throat to reclaim their set position while undergoing a tiebreak. This format not only impacts the players but also has an overwhelming effect on the crowd. Out of these special moments, the question of how a tie-break works hold recognition.

As the world remembers the distinct moments of the first-round match played between John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon, the match acclaimed itself as the longest tennis match played in history owing to the extensive tie-breaker between the two which ultimately ended with a score of 70-68 in favor of the American.

The simplest way to describe how a tie-break works is a set of points that works as a special game to decide a tie between players whose set score is stuck at 6-6. The first player to win the initial set of 7 points by a margin of two win the set by 7-6. This method has been adopted to ensure a quicker way to finalize the set tied between the players.

FS Video

Also Read: “An incredible achievement” Kim Clijsters and Mats Wilander short on words of appreciation for ‘champion’ Iga Swiatek following her US Open triumph

YouTube video

Meaning of Tiebreak in tennis

The rules of a tie-break a pretty straightforward. An initial set of 7 points is mandated for a player to win the tie-break and thus the set overall. The player who returned serve in the previous game has a right to start the tie-break. Players switch their service upon completion of every two points and the court sides of players are required to switch after every 6 points.

There is always a change of service when the sum of the points is an uneven number. After one point, three points, and so forth. The rules for a 10-point tie-break are similar. A two-point difference with a player who reaches the 10-point marker first wins. The 10-point tie-break criteria are applicable in every tournament except for the Grand Slams.

The longest Tiebreak ever happened back in 2013 at a Challenger Tournament in Plantation Florida. Benjamin Balleret defeated Guillaume Couillard in a 70-Point Tiebreak 7-6 (36-34), 6-1. Although the match was played without line judges or a chair umpire, the match score was verified by the ITF and ATP.

Also Read: “WTA has trash marketing” Fans call out the WTA for shedding no attention to the Women’s doubles final of the 2022 US Open

Also Read: “Her behavior is disgraceful” Iga Swiatek called out on social media for distracting Ons Jabeur as she changed racquets during the championship point