Who serves first in a tiebreak?

The player or team whose turn it would be to serve the 13th game of the set. They serve one point, then the serve alternates every two points.

What is a 10-point tiebreak?

A match tiebreak, often used instead of a deciding set. It works like a normal tiebreak but the winner is the first to ten points with a two-point lead.

Who serves first in the next set after a tiebreak?

The player or team that received first in the tiebreak serves the first game of the next set.

Tennis Tiebreak Rules Explained

4 video lessons

First to seven, win by two, and the serve switches every two points.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A tiebreak is usually played when a set reaches 6-6. Points are counted 1, 2, 3 and so on, and the first player or team to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set 7-6.

The player whose turn it is to serve serves the first point from the deuce side. After that, the serve switches every two points, with each server starting from the ad side. Players change ends every six points. Many leagues also use a 10-point match tiebreak in place of a third set, with the same rotation but first to ten.

Key tips

Remember the pattern: one serve, then two each.
Change ends after every six points, without a long break.
Call the score out loud each point to avoid arguments.
In doubles, keep the same serving order as the set.

FAQ

Who serves first in a tiebreak?: The player or team whose turn it would be to serve the 13th game of the set. They serve one point, then the serve alternates every two points.
What is a 10-point tiebreak?: A match tiebreak, often used instead of a deciding set. It works like a normal tiebreak but the winner is the first to ten points with a two-point lead.
Who serves first in the next set after a tiebreak?: The player or team that received first in the tiebreak serves the first game of the next set.