How does scoring work in Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and its scoring format is unique in the realm of sports. This article will explain how scoring works at Wimbledon, the different types of sets and games, and offer practical tips for understanding and following the score during a match. Additionally, we will address techniques and advice to enhance your experience when watching this exciting event.

Understanding the scoring structure

How does scoring work in Wimbledon?

The basic score

In most tennis matches, the scoring is carried out in a format of points, games, and sets. At Wimbledon, the basic scoring follows these steps:

  • PuntosEach game is made up of points. The scoring in a tennis game progresses as follows: 0, 15, 30, 40, and then game winner. If the score reaches 40-40, it is called "deuce."
  • Juegos: Un jugador necesita ganar al menos cuatro puntos para ganar un juego. Sin embargo, para ganar un juego a partir de un "deuce", un jugador debe ganar dos puntos consecutivos.
  • Sets: Un set se compone de juegos. Para ganar un set, un jugador debe ganar al menos seis juegos y tener una ventaja de dos juegos. Si ambos jugadores llegan a seis juegos, se juega un "tiebreak" para determinar el ganador del set.
  • Tipos de sets en Wimbledon

    Wimbledon utiliza principalmente dos tipos de sets:

  • Sets de juegosThe standard format where play continues until a player wins six games.
  • TiebreakIf both players reach six games, a tiebreak is played, where the first player to reach 7 points, with a margin of at least 2 points, wins the set. An example of this is the tiebreak in the final set, where, since 2022, a 10-point tiebreak is applied if the set reaches 6-6.
  • Tips for keeping score

    Below, we present five practical tips that will help you follow the scoring at Wimbledon more effectively:

  • Get familiar with the terminology
  • In order to follow the scoring without difficulties, it is essential to understand the terminology used in tennis. Some key words include:

  • DeuceWhen both players have 40 points.
  • AdvantageA player wins the next point after a deuce.
  • Break point: Oportunidad de un jugador para ganar un juego en el servicio del oponente.
  • Usa aplicaciones de tenis
  • Nowadays, there are many applications that allow you to follow match scores in real time. These applications offer instant updates on the state of the game, which will allow you to stay up to date with everything happening on the court.

  • Pay attention to the comments and analysis.
  • Commentators often provide valuable information about the scoring and the players' strategies. Listening to their analysis can increase your understanding of the scoring and enhance your appreciation of the game.

  • Observa el marcador
  • In live matches, watch the scoreboard in the stadium or the broadcast. Learning to read this scoreboard will allow you to follow the score more easily. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the way points, games, and sets are presented.

  • Practice by following historic matches
  • An excellent way to improve your understanding of scoring is to follow historic matches at Wimbledon. You can find recordings of old matches where scoring is a central element. This will help you become familiar with different scoring scenarios and the dynamics of high-tension points.

    Preguntas Frecuentes

  • Why does Wimbledon have a different scoring format compared to other tournaments?
  • Wimbledon follows the traditional rules of tennis, which include scoring in sets and games. Unlike other tournaments that may have variations, Wimbledon adheres to a format that has been part of its history for more than a century.

  • What happens if a player reaches 6-6 in the final set?
  • Starting in 2022, if a match reaches 6-6 in the final set, a 10-point tiebreak is played. This means that the first player to reach 10 points wins the set and, therefore, the match, as long as they have at least a 2-point lead.

  • How is the time between points and games measured?
  • Players have a limited amount of time to recover between points and games. Generally, they have 25 seconds between points and 90 seconds between games. This timer is a crucial element in the modern game, designed to maintain the pace of the match.

  • What is a "match point" and when does it occur?
  • A "match point" occurs when the player who is winning has the opportunity to win the game with a single victory. This is a critical moment, as it will determine who wins the match. It is interesting to observe how players handle the pressure in those decisive moments.

  • What is the difference between a "set" and a "match"?
  • A "set" refers to a series of games in which a player needs to win a specific number (usually 6 or more) to win the set. A "match" consists of several sets; the player who wins the majority of the sets (generally 3 out of 5 or 2 out of 3 in the case of women) wins the match.

  • ¿Pueden los jugadores pedir tiempo adicional?
  • Yes, players can request additional time between games under certain circumstances, often due to physical or health issues. However, they are expected to adhere to the limited times set by the tournament to ensure a smooth experience for spectators.

    As you prepare for Wimbledon, these tips and explanations will help you enjoy the tournament to the fullest. Whether you are watching it in person or on television, understanding the scoring and the tournament format will make the experience much more rewarding. Enjoy the show!