Love in tennis is a term that signifies a score of zero. It’s used to describe the situation when a player or team has not yet scored any points in a game.
Origin and Meaning of Love in Scoring
The term love is thought to come from the French word “l’œuf,” meaning “the egg,” symbolizing the shape of zero. It’s a unique quirk of tennis scoring, setting it apart from other sports.
The Role of Love in Tennis Scoring
In tennis, the progression of scores from love (0) to 15, 30, and 40 is part of the game’s traditional scoring system. Saying “love” as part of the score (e.g., “15-love”) indicates that one player has points while the other does not.
Love: More Than Just a Score
While love indicates a lack of points, it doesn’t always reflect the competitiveness of a match. Even games at love can be closely contested, with each point being hard-fought.
The Psychological Aspect of Love in Tennis
Starting a game at love can be a psychological challenge, especially if a player finds themselves consistently behind. It requires mental resilience to stay focused and motivated despite the score.
