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.
Key points
- 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