Novak Djokovic training during the Monte Carlo Masters (Imago)
Tennis has many terminologies but what does ‘love’ mean in the sport?
The origin of the game goes back to the Middle Ages but nothing is confirmed. The Medieval type of tennis which is still known as real tennis was introduced by the French back in the 12th century. It’s known that during that time the game was played with the hands rather than a racket. Then eventually it was played gloves in hand and it went on to gain more and more popularity as time passed by.
Then as the centuries passed by they become more and more evolved and racket came into the light by the 16th century and there was a proper playing area which is known as the court in the current time as well. The game was known as Real Tennis back in those times.
Tennis went on to gain popularity in France and a few of the European countries but if the history of the game is read – during those ages the real tennis suffered under England Puritanism.
As time passed by, the popularity of Real Tennis kept on declining in England but they went on to evolve the game completely and helped in the emergence of Lawn Tennis (modern games). Let’s talk about how the scoring is done in tennis.
While all tennis scoring is a bit odd, and the beginner who is trying to learn about the game might even get confused about how the scoring is done. At the beginning of any match, the score is Love to Love.
“Love” refers to a score of zero (0) in tennis. But why? What’s the theory behind it?
One of the theories behind this is regarding the French word l’oeuf, which means ‘an egg’. It is also believed that when the game came to England from France – the l’oeuf mean “zero,” due to the resemblance of an egg – it got the name Love since then.
Another theory behind this is “to play for love.” The idea is that a person who fails to make any points is not bothered and is playing for the love and passion for the game rather than for a win. (It is to show sportsman spirit and love for the game).
Another odd name that comes into mind is deuce. When both the player have won three points each in the game and the score is 40-40 it is known as deuce. When the score is tied at 40-40 or deuce – one player or doubles partner will have to win two points in a row to win that game.
The origin of deuce in Latin means for two, duos, or perhaps more appropriately the French word for two, deux, as tennis was introduced by France. However, it is not known why exactly it is called a deuce.
Another existing theory suggests that the word deuce is taken by the French phrase: à deux le jeu. However, all these theories are theories and there is nothing official about it.
More tennis news
One of the most interesting facts of the deuce comes into the limelight at the French Open. Despite all the historians saying the word deuce came into its origin because the game has its root in France, but during Rolland Garros, you’ll hear the word “égalité” by the chair umpire when the score is tied at 40-40. The word “égalité” translates to equality.
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