Official Tennis Match Play Rules

At TennisPAL, we strive to create a competitive and fair environment for all players. To ensure consistency in match reporting, all verified matches played on TennisPAL must follow these official match play rules.

1. Match Format

Players can choose from the following match formats:

• Best of 3 Sets (Standard format)
• Best of 5 Sets (Optional for endurance matches)

For official reporting in TennisPAL, at least one full set must be completed for a match to be verified.

2. Set Scoring

Each set follows the standard 6-game format:

• A player must win six games with a two-game lead (e.g., 6-4, 7-5).
• If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak (first to 7 points, win by 2) will determine the winner.

3. Game Scoring

Each game follows traditional scoring:

• 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, Game
• If both players reach 40-40 (Deuce), a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

Players can agree to play No-Ad Scoring, where the next point after Deuce wins the game.

4. Tiebreak Rules

• 7-Point Tiebreak: First to 7 points, must win by 2 points (e.g., 7-5, 8-6).
• 10-Point Tiebreak: If playing a Match Tiebreak instead of a third set, the first to 10 points, win by 2 points, determines the match winner.

The decision to play a 10-point Tiebreak has to be made before the start of the match and both parties have to agree. If the opponent is not in agreement, you should play a regular 3rd set. The 10-point tiebreaker will be reported as 1-0 to make it consistent with actual 3rd set result

5. Serving Rules

• Players must alternate serves every game.
• The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally into the service box.
• First and second serve rules apply; if both serves are faults, it results in a double fault and loss of the point.

In a tiebreak, serves alternate every two points after the first serve.

6. Changeovers & Breaks

• Players switch sides after every odd-numbered game (e.g., 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, etc.).
• A 90-second or any mutually agreed duration break is allowed during changeovers.
• A 2-minute or any mutually agreed duration set break is allowed between sets.

7. Match Verification for TennisPAL

For a match to be officially recorded in TennisPAL:

1. The match must be played using one of the standard formats.
2. The final set score must be entered in the TennisPAL app.
3. Both players must verify the match result within the app.
4. Only matches played in Singles (for now) count toward TSL.

8. Default and Retirement Rules

• If a player retires mid-match, the opponent is awarded the remaining games and sets needed to win.
• If a player defaults before starting, the opponent wins by a walkover (W/O).

9. Code of Conduct

TennisPAL promotes fair play, honesty, and sportsmanship. All players must:

• Respect opponents and follow TennisPAL match guidelines.
• Avoid excessive delays in replying to requests to play.
• Report scores accurately and honestly in the TennisPAL app.
• Arrive prior to the match start time to avoid a No Show report.

Any disputes should be resolved between players first, and if needed, reported to TennisPAL support.

These official match rules ensure fair competition and allow players to track progress accurately in TennisPAL. Whether you’re playing for fun or working toward a higher TennisPAL Skill Level, following these rules will help you get the most out of your matches.

Contact TennisPAL Support via chat in the TennisPAL app or by email at [email protected]