Tennis Glossary
Clear definitions of tennis terms and tennis betting markets, from aces and tie-breaks to handicaps, totals, live and outright bets.
Tennis has its own language. Some words describe how the game is scored and played, from an ace to a tie-break. Others describe how you can bet on it, from a game handicap to an outright market. This tennis glossary brings both together in one place, with clear definitions and practical examples.
The glossary is split into two parts. Tennis terms explain the sport itself: scoring, serving, shots, spin, court, equipment and rules. Tennis betting terms explain the markets you will find on matches and tournaments. Each section links to a short glossary for that topic, and to full guides on the most important terms.
When you are ready to put this knowledge to use, you can find all current matches and markets on the 7bet tennis betting page.
Tennis Terms
These glossaries explain how tennis works, from the first serve to the last point of a match.
Scoring Terms
How points, games, sets and matches are counted, including deuce, advantage and tie-breaks.
Serve Terms
The different types of serve and the rules and tactics around them.
Shot Types
The main strokes in tennis, from groundstrokes to volleys and specialist shots.
Spin Terms
How players use spin to control the speed, height and bounce of the ball.
Strategy Terms
The tactical ideas players use to build points and win matches.
Tennis strategy terms glossary
Playing Styles
The main types of players, such as baseliners and serve-and-volley players.
Tennis playing styles glossary
Court Terms
The lines, areas and surfaces of a tennis court.
Equipment Terms
Rackets, strings, balls and the other equipment used in tennis.
Tennis equipment terms glossary
Rules and Officiating Terms
The rules of play and the role of umpires and line judges.
Tennis rules and officiating terms glossary
Tennis Betting Terms
These glossaries explain the betting markets available on tennis, with examples of how each bet is settled.
Match Betting
Markets on the result of a single match, such as who will win and whether a player will take a set.
- Match winner betting
- Moneyline betting
- Head to head betting
- Player to win at least one set
- Player to lose at least one set
- Comeback victory
Handicap Betting
Markets that give one player a head start in games or sets to balance the odds.
Tennis handicap betting terms glossary
Set Betting
Markets on individual sets and the final score in sets.
Tennis set betting terms glossary
Totals Betting
Over/under markets on the number of games and sets in a match.
Tennis totals betting terms glossary
Live Betting
In-play markets, from the next game and next point to cash out and live odds.
Live tennis betting terms glossary
Special Markets
Markets on aces, double faults, breaks of serve, tie-breaks and deuce games.
Tennis special markets glossary
Tournament and Outright Betting
Markets on whole tournaments, from the winner and each-way bets to the stage a player reaches.
Tennis outright betting terms glossary
Tennis Glossary A–Z
All terms with a full guide, in alphabetical order.
B: Bagel, Break, Break point
D: Deuce, Double fault
M: Match winner betting, Moneyline betting
P: Player to lose at least one set, Player to win at least one set
S: Serve, Set handicap, Slice
T: Tactics, Tie-break, Topspin
How to Use This Glossary
If you are new to tennis, start with the scoring and serve terms. They explain the words you will hear most often during a match. If you already follow the sport, the betting sections explain how each market works and how bets are settled, using 7bet’s own market names and rules.
The glossary is updated as new terms are added. For the full settlement rules behind every market, see 7bet’s betting rules.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org