Pronunciation: [tˈɛnɪs skˈɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of "tennis score" is straightforward. In IPA, it is transcribed as /ˈtɛnɪs skɔː/. The first syllable is pronounced like "ten", with a short e sound /ɛ/. The second syllable is pronounced like "nis", with a short i sound /ɪ/. "Score" is pronounced with a long o sound /skɔː/. Together, the word is pronounced "TEN-iss score", and refers to the points or numbers earned in a game of tennis.
A tennis score is a numerical representation of the game progress and outcomes in a game of tennis. It is a systematic way to record the points won by each player or team throughout the match, reflecting their overall performance and success on the court. The standard tennis scoring system is based on a set of rules whereby points, games, and sets are tallied to determine the winner of a match.
In a normal tennis match, each game is divided into smaller units called points. A player wins a point by successfully hitting the ball to an area that the opponent fails to return within the court boundaries. Points accumulate to create games, with a set being composed of several games. Traditionally, scoring in tennis is called using a unique terminology where zero points are referred to as "love," one point is "15," two points are "30," and three points are "40." Once a player or team reaches four points and wins the next point, they win the game.
Furthermore, to complete a set, a player or team must win a specific number of games, usually six, and typically, a player or team must win a minimum of two more games than the opponent to secure the set. Matches are often decided by winning a certain number of sets, usually two or three, depending on the competition format and rules.
Overall, a tennis score reflects the point, game, and set outcomes in a tennis match, facilitating the determination of the final winner through a systematic numerical representation of the game progress.
The word "tennis" originated from the Medieval French word "tenez", which was an exclamation used by the server to alert the opponent before serving the ball. Over time, it evolved into "tenetz" and then "tennis".
The term "score" is derived from the Old English word "scoru", meaning "twenty". In tennis, the scoring system is based on a counting system up to 40, with some unique rules, leading to terms like "love" (from the French word "l'oeuf", meaning "the egg" which represents zero) and "deuce" (from "à deux le jeu", meaning "to two is the game").
So, the combination of "tennis" and "score" comes from the historical development of the game and the specific scoring terminology used within it.
