Origin of Tennis Scoring: Why 15‑30‑40 and “Love”?

Tennis has one of the most unusual scoring systems in sport. Points progress as “15, 30, 40” rather than 1, 2, 3, and the term “love” represents zero. Where did these terms come from? The answer lies in medieval France and the evolution of early tennis.

The Clock‑Face Theory

Historical accounts suggest that the scoring system originated from medieval French courts. Early players kept score using a clock face, moving the hand to 15, 30 and 45 minutes to mark points. Because a player had to win by two points, the 45 was shortened to 40 to ensure a two‑point margin at “deuce,” creating the familiar progression of 15‑30‑40. This theory explains why tennis scores jump in increments of 15 rather than increments of 10.

Why “Love” Means Zero

The origin of “love” is less certain, but most historians believe it derives from the French word l’oeuf, meaning “the egg,” which resembles the shape of a zero. English speakers may have mispronounced or anglicised the term into “love.” Over time the term became widely accepted and now represents a score of zero in tennis.

Deuce and Advantage

When both players reach 40 (three points each), the score is called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points: one to gain advantage and the next to win the game. If the opponent wins the following point, the score returns to deuce. This win‑by‑two requirement echoes the clock‑face origin, where the hand must move past 40 to 60 (representing game point).

Modern Adoption

The 15‑30‑40 system was carried into lawn tennis when Major Walter Clopton Wingfield codified the rules in 1873 and has persisted through the modern era. Its quirks contribute to the sport’s charm and tradition.

Conclusion

The peculiar tennis scoring system traces its roots to medieval France, where players advanced the score on a clock face by increments of 15. The term “love” likely evolved from the French word for egg, l’oeuf, symbolising zero. Understanding this history adds appreciation for the sport’s heritage and reminds us that even small details can carry centuries of tradition.