Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
A tiebreak is played when a set reaches 6-6 — the first player to reach 7 points (winning by at least 2) wins the set 7-6. Service alternates every 2 points (after the first) and players change ends every 6 points. A super tiebreak (match tiebreak) is played to 10 points and is used as a final set decider in doubles at most Grand Slams and in singles at some events. Mentally, tiebreaks are considered a 50-50 proposition regardless of the set’s progression — all prior points are reset.
- Played at 6-6 in a set
- First to 7 points, win by 2
- Service changes every 2 points
- Super tiebreak to 10 points used in final sets
In practice
Tennis's tiebreak system (first to 7 points, win by 2, played when a set reaches 6-6) was introduced specifically to prevent sets from extending indefinitely under the older advantage-set rules, where a set could only end once one player led by two clear games — some tournaments still use advantage sets in the final set, which is why marathon five-set matches occasionally still occur in those specific contexts.
FAQ
How does a tennis tiebreak work?
Played when a set reaches 6-6, the first player to reach 7 points with at least a 2-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set; if tied at 6-6 within the tiebreak itself, play continues until one player achieves the required 2-point margin.
Why do some tournaments still have extremely long final sets?
Some tournaments historically used (or still use in certain formats) advantage sets for the final set, requiring a 2-game lead to win rather than a tiebreak at 6-6, occasionally producing exceptionally long, historic matches.