In tennis, what is a "love" score?
VerifiedAnswer: A score of zero points.
Explanation:
In tennis, the term "love" refers to a score of zero points. This unique terminology is one of the most distinctive features of tennis scoring that often puzzles newcomers to the sport. When a player has not scored any points in a game, their score is called "love" rather than simply saying "zero."
The origin of this term has several interesting theories. The most widely accepted explanation suggests that "love" comes from the French word "l'oeuf," which means "egg." Since an egg is shaped like a zero, the French used this term to represent a score of nothing. Over time, "l'oeuf" was anglicized to "love" as tennis spread to English-speaking countries.
In practical tennis scoring, you'll hear "love" used in various combinations. For example, if the server has zero points and the receiver has one point, the score would be announced as "love-fifteen." If both players have zero points, it's called "love-all." When a player wins a game without their opponent scoring any points, it's referred to as a "love game."
Understanding tennis scoring is essential for following the sport. Tennis uses a unique point system where scores progress as 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, and then game. This unusual progression dates back to medieval times when scores were based on the quarters of a clock face. The term "love" fits perfectly into this traditional scoring system that makes tennis unique among all sports.
