<P> The score of a complete match may be given simply by sets won, or with the scores of each set given separately . In either case, the match winner's score is stated first . In the former, shorter form, a match might be listed as 3--1 (i.e. three sets to one). In the latter form, this same match might be further described as "7--5, 6--7, 6--4, 7--6". (As noted above, an alternate form of writing the tiebreak score lists only the loser's score--e.g., "7--6" for the fourth set in the example .) This match was won three sets to one, with the match loser winning the second set on a tiebreaker . The numbers in parentheses, normally included in printed scorelines but omitted when spoken, indicate the duration of the tiebreaker following a given set . Here, the match winner lost the second - set tiebreaker 7--4 and won the fourth - set tiebreaker 8--6 . </P> <P> Because tennis is scored set by set and game by game, a player may lose a match despite winning the majority of points and / or games played . </P> <P> Consider a player who wins six games in each of two sets, all by a score of game--30 . The winner has scored 4 × 12 = 48 points and the loser 2 × 12 = 24 . Suppose also that the loser wins four games in each set, all by a score of game - love . The loser has scored 4 × 8 = 32 points and the winner zero in those games . The final score is a win by 6--4, 6--4; total points 48--56 . </P> <P> An example of this in actual practice was the record - breaking Isner - Mahut match in the Wimbledon first round, 22--24 June 2010 . American John Isner beat Nicolas Mahut of France 6--4, 3--6, 6--7, 7--6, 70--68--Mahut winning a total of 502 points to Isner's 478 . </P>

It all love like no score in a tennis game