matchtiebreak

A match tiebreak is a deciding game used in tennis to determine the winner of a match when the score reaches a certain point. Typically, it is played when the set score is tied at 6-6. The first player or team to win seven points, with a margin of at least two points, wins the tiebreak and the set. If the score reaches 6-6 within the tiebreak, play continues until one side gains a two-point lead.

The scoring in a tiebreak is unique. Points are called out as "one," "two," "three," and so on, rather than the usual "love," "15," "30," "40." The player who is due to serve at the start of the tiebreak serves the first point. After the first point, the opponent serves two consecutive points. Then, the original server serves two points, and this pattern continues. Players switch ends of the court every six points played.

Tiebreaks were introduced to shorten matches and avoid potentially lengthy final sets. They are a standard feature in most professional tennis tournaments at both the singles and doubles level. While the format is generally consistent, some specific tournaments or events might have variations in their tiebreak rules, such as a longer tiebreak format for a deciding set. The introduction of the tiebreak has added an element of high pressure and excitement to tennis matches.