The tiebreak is tennis's way of ending a set that would otherwise go on forever. It is short, tense and decisive — and, as our name suggests, it is our favourite part of the game. Here is exactly how it works, from the serving order to the rules used at the Grand Slams.
New to tennis scoring in general? Start with tennis scoring explained.
When is a tiebreak played?
In most matches, a set is won by the first player to six games with a two-game lead. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak game decides the set, which is then recorded as 7-6.
How the 7-point tiebreak works
- Points are counted in simple numbers: 1, 2, 3… (not 15, 30, 40).
- The first player to 7 points wins — but they must lead by two points. At 6-6 it continues: 8-6, 9-7, 12-10…
- The tiebreak counts as one game, so the set score becomes 7-6.
Who serves, and when
The serving order is the part that confuses most people:
- The player whose turn it is to serve serves the first point, from the deuce (right) side.
- The opponent then serves points 2 and 3 — starting from the advantage (left) side.
- Players then alternate every two points, always starting a pair from the left side.
| Point | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server | A | B | B | A | A | B | B | A |
| Side | Right | Left | Right | Left | Right | Left | Right | Left |
In doubles, the same order applies and partners keep their usual serving rotation. The player who served first in the tiebreak receives in the first game of the next set.
Changing ends
Players change ends after every six points — at 3-3, 6-0, 4-2 and so on — so that neither side has the advantage of wind or sun for too long. They change ends again after the tiebreak, before the next set starts. There is no seated break during these changes.
Quick check: if the two scores add up to 6, 12 or 18, it's time to change ends.
How the score is written
A tiebreak set is written 7-6, often with the loser's tiebreak points in brackets: 7-6(5) means the tiebreak was won 7-5; 7-6(12) means it was won 14-12. On our live scores you will see the tiebreak score point by point.
The 10-point match tiebreak
The match tiebreak (or "super tiebreak") is a longer tiebreak played instead of a deciding set. It follows the same serving and change-of-ends rules, but the winner is the first to 10 points with a two-point lead.
- Used in most professional doubles matches (instead of a third set).
- Very common in club leagues, junior events and mixed doubles.
- Counted as one set won 1-0 or recorded as, for example, [10-8].
Final sets at the Grand Slams
For years, each Grand Slam had its own final-set rule — some had no tiebreak at all, which led to marathons such as the 70-68 fifth set between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon 2010. Since 2022, all four majors use the same rule: a 10-point tiebreak at 6-6 in the final set. Learn more in our guide to the Grand Slam tournaments.
Tiebreak vs padel tiebreak
Padel uses the same tiebreak format at 6-6 — first to 7 by two, with the same 1-2-2 serving order. The difference lies elsewhere: padel often plays a golden point at deuce. See padel scoring explained.
Common tiebreak mistakes in club tennis
- Wrong server after the first point: remember 1, then 2-2-2.
- Forgetting to change ends at 6 points.
- Calling "15-love": tiebreak points are counted in numbers.
- Wrong server in the next set: the player who served first in the tiebreak receives first.
Frequently asked questions
How does a tiebreak work in tennis?
When a set reaches 6-6, players play a tiebreak game. Points are counted 1, 2, 3… and the first player to reach 7 points with at least a two-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set 7-6.
Who serves first in a tiebreak?
The player whose turn it would be to serve the next game serves the first point of the tiebreak. After that, each player serves two points in a row, starting with the opponent.
When do you change ends in a tiebreak?
Players change ends after every six points (at 6, 12, 18 points played and so on) and again at the end of the tiebreak before the next set.
What is a 10-point tiebreak?
Also called a match tiebreak or super tiebreak, it is played instead of a final set, or at 6-6 in the final set at Grand Slams. It works like a normal tiebreak but the winner is the first to 10 points with a two-point lead.