What Does “Ad” Mean in Tennis Scoring? Explained Simply

Tennis is one of the most strategic and mentally challenging sports, partly because of its unique scoring system. Instead of simply counting points as 1, 2, 3, the sport uses terms like “love,” “15,” “30,” “40,” and occasionally, “ad.” For many beginners, this last term—short for advantage—causes the most confusion. You might see it displayed on a scoreboard as “Ad-In” or “Ad-Out,” and wonder exactly what it means.

In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of “ad” in tennis, explore how it works, and explain why this traditional system still defines the sport today.

Understanding the Basics of Tennis Scoring

Before you can understand what “ad” means, it’s important to grasp the basics of how tennis scoring works. Unlike most sports, which use linear counting, tennis employs a unique set of terms.

The Point System

Each game in tennis is structured around points, but instead of 1, 2, 3, the points progress as follows:

• Love (0 points) – The starting score.
• 15 (first point) – When a player wins one rally.
• 30 (second point) – When they win two rallies.
• 40 (third point) – When they win three rallies.
• Game (fourth point, if two points ahead) – Winning four points secures the game.

So if a server wins two points in a row, the score would be 30-love. If both players trade points and tie at three each, the score is 40-40, which is referred to as deuce.

What Happens at Deuce

Deuce is the unique point in a game where the score is tied at 40-40. To win from here, a player must gain a two-point lead. That’s where “ad” comes into play.

Sets and Matches

Tennis doesn’t stop at just games. Several games comprise a set, and players must typically win six games (with at least a two-game lead) to win the set. Matches are typically best-of-three or best-of-five sets, depending on the tournament.

Why the Odd Terms?

The strange terms, such as 15, 30, and 40, trace back to medieval France, when points were counted using a clock face. Instead of saying 1, 2, or 3, players advanced by quarter turns on the clock. Eventually, “45” was shortened to “40” to make it easier to announce.

Importance of This Foundation

Understanding this point structure is crucial because once the score reaches deuce, the whole rhythm changes. The “ad” system ensures that a single point does not decide games, but rather through consistent performance under pressure.

Key Takeaway:

Tennis scoring moves from love to 40, with a two-point margin needed to win a game. Deuce and advantage rules maintain the game’s fairness and competitiveness by preventing one-point victories.

What Does “Ad” Mean in Tennis?

“Ad” is shorthand for advantage, and it’s a term used only after the score reaches deuce. It signals that one player has gained the upper hand and is a single point away from winning the game.

Breaking Down Advantage

Once both players are tied at 40-40 (deuce), the next point won will not immediately end the game. Instead, it gives the player the advantage.

• If the server wins the point → the score is Ad-In.
• If the receiver wins the point → the score is Ad-Out.

The advantaged player must then win the next point to secure the game. If they fail, the score resets to deuce, and the cycle begins again.

A Step-by-Step Example

• The score is deuce (40-40).
• Player A wins a point → Ad-In if serving, or Ad-Out if receiving.
• Player A wins the next point → wins the game.
• Player A loses the next point → score resets to deuce.

This process can repeat many times, which is why some games last only a few minutes while others stretch for 10 minutes or more.

Why “Ad” Matters

Advantage points are among the most stressful moments in tennis. For the player with “ad,” the pressure is to finish the game. For the opponent, the challenge is to fight back and reset the score.

Professional matches often feature long rallies of deuce and advantage, creating some of the sport’s most dramatic and memorable moments. For spectators, this tension is part of tennis’s charm—it’s not just about hitting the ball, but about handling pressure.

Key Takeaway:

“Ad” means “advantage,” appearing only after a deuce. It shows that one player is just a point away from winning, but they must prove it by winning back-to-back points.

The Difference Between “Ad-In” and “Ad-Out”

When tennis matches reach deuce, the game doesn’t simply end with one extra point. Instead, players must fight through the advantage phase, which can go back and forth multiple times before someone secures victory. To understand this, you need to know the difference between Ad-In and Ad-Out.

What Is Ad-In?

“Ad-In” refers to the server gaining the advantage after a deuce. This means the player serving the ball is one point away from winning the game. If they manage to win the very next rally, the game is theirs. If they lose, the score resets to deuce.

Key characteristics of Ad-In:

• The server has the upper hand.
• The pressure shifts to the receiver, who must defend against game point.
• It often reflects the natural advantage of serving, since servers typically control the pace.

What Is Ad-Out?

“Ad-Out” happens when the receiver wins the point after deuce. This places the server in danger of losing its game. If the receiver wins the next rally, they “break serve” and win the game. If they lose it, the score resets back to deuce.

Key characteristics of Ad-Out:

• The receiver holds the advantage.
• The server is under maximum pressure, since losing this point means losing the game.
• Breaking serve at Ad-Out can drastically shift momentum in a set.

Why It Matters Strategically

The difference between Ad-In and Ad-Out is more than just a label—it reflects the psychological and tactical dynamics of tennis.

• For servers: Ad-In is a chance to finish the game with confidence. Ad-Out means they must dig deep and defend fiercely.
• For receivers: Ad-Out provides an opportunity to seize momentum, while Ad-In means they must resist the server’s best shots.

Example Scenario

Imagine Serena Williams is serving at deuce:

• She wins a rally → Ad-In Serena.
• She loses the next rally → back to deuce.
• Her opponent then wins a rally → Ad-Out opponent.

This cycle could repeat multiple times, creating long, tense games filled with momentum shifts.

Quick Reference Table

Term	Who Holds Advantage	Win Next Point → Outcome	Lose Next Point → Outcome
Ad-In	Server	Server wins the game	Back to deuce
Ad-Out	Receiver	The receiver wins the game	Back to deuce

Key Takeaway:

Ad-In means the server is ahead, while Ad-Out means the receiver is ahead. Both players must still win one more point to secure the game, which makes advantage battles some of the most dramatic and pressure-filled moments in tennis.

Why Tennis Uses “Ad” Instead of a Simpler System

Many newcomers to tennis ask: Why doesn’t the sport use a straightforward system where the first point after deuce decides the game? The answer lies in the history, fairness, and drama of the sport.

Historical Origins

The unusual scoring system dates back to medieval France. Early tennis was scored on a clock face, with points advancing in 15-minute increments: 15, 30, 45, 60. Over time, “45” became “40” for simplicity, and the requirement to win by two points was added to make victories decisive.

This is how “advantage” was born. The system has survived centuries of play and is deeply tied to the sport’s traditions.

Why Not Simpler?

The advantage system may feel complicated, but it serves several purposes:

• Fairness: Prevents games from being decided by one lucky point. Players must prove they can win consecutively under pressure.
• Excitement: Deuce and advantage battles are some of the most thrilling moments in tennis. They keep fans engaged and create drama.
• Tradition: Tennis has always embraced its unique scoring system, and keeping “ad” preserves its heritage.
• Mental Challenge: Players are tested not only physically but mentally, as they must maintain focus through extended points.

No-Ad Scoring as an Alternative

In some recreational and college matches, organizers use “no-ad scoring” to shorten match length. Under this system:

• The first point after a deuce decides the game.
• There is no back-and-forth between advantage and deuce.

While this system speeds up play, many purists argue it removes the tension and endurance tests that make tennis unique.

Why Fans and Players Prefer Advantage

Advantage scoring is beloved because it creates iconic moments. Some of the longest, most famous tennis matches in history have featured marathon games filled with repeated deuces and ads. Fans live for these swings of momentum, where every point feels like a potential game-changer.

Key Takeaway:

Tennis uses advantage scoring not just for tradition, but to ensure games are decided by skill and consistency. The system makes matches more exciting and fair, while preserving the sport’s identity.

Common Questions and Confusions About “Ad”

Even after understanding the basics of advantage scoring, many beginners still have questions. Here are the most common ones, answered.

Can a Game Go On Forever?

Technically, yes. Because players can return to deuce repeatedly, a game could, in theory, continue indefinitely. In practice, stamina, nerves, and skill eventually tip the balance. Some games have lasted over 20 minutes in professional play.

Does “Ad” Exist in Tiebreaks?

No. In a tiebreak, scoring is linear (1, 2, 3, etc.), and the first to 7 points with a two-point lead wins the set. Advantage rules don’t apply in tiebreaks.

How Does “Ad” Work in Doubles?

The system remains the same, but with an added strategic approach. Doubles teams must decide who takes returns on key points and adjust positioning to handle Ad-In or Ad-Out scenarios. The tactical depth makes double advantage points even more exciting.

Why Abbreviate It as “Ad”?

“Ad” is simply shorthand for “advantage.” It’s easier to fit on scoreboards and more efficient for announcers.

Is Tennis the Only Sport With This Rule?

Yes, tennis is unique in its terminology and structure. However, the concept of “win by two” is also prevalent in volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.

Common Beginner Confusions

• Thinking “Ad-In” means “one point won.”
• Assuming “Ad-Out” means “the game is over.”
• Believing advantage rules apply in all formats (they don’t in no-ad scoring).

Why It Confuses Viewers

Newcomers often expect matches to follow a linear pattern, but tennis thrives on its quirks. Once fans see a few deuce/advantage battles, they quickly understand why these moments are central to the sport’s excitement.

Key Takeaway:

The “ad” system sparks many beginner questions, but it’s actually simple: it only appears after deuce, it can swing back and forth, and it ensures players win games decisively. Once understood, it becomes one of the most enjoyable aspects of tennis to follow.

Conclusion

The term “ad” in tennis scoring may look confusing at first glance, but it simply means advantage. It appears only after deuce, signaling that one player is a single point away from winning the game—but they must prove it by securing the next point. This system adds depth, fairness, and drama to tennis, making every deuce battle a thrilling contest of skill and mental toughness.

In tennis, “ad” ensures that games are won with conviction, not chance.

FAQs

What does “Ad-In” mean in tennis?

It means the server has the advantage after a deuce.

What does “Ad-Out” mean in tennis?

It means the receiver has the advantage after deuce.

Can there be multiple ads in one game?

Yes, players can alternate between Ad-In, Ad-Out, and deuce until someone wins.

Do professional matches often have long deuce games?

Yes, especially when evenly matched players face off against each other.

Does every level of tennis use “ad”?

Most do, but some recreational formats use “no-ad” scoring to speed up play.