Why 40 Not 45 in Tennis Scoring?

Ever wondered why tennis goes from 30 straight to 40? It feels odd, right? Most sports count in fives, but tennis stopped at 40 centuries ago. Below is the short story and the practical bits you need to know the next time you watch a match.

The old French court and the 15‑30‑45 pattern

Back in the 14th‑15th centuries French players used a clock face to mark points. Each win moved the hand 15 minutes: 15, 30, 45, then game. The clock idea made it easy for spectators to see who was ahead.

When the game spread to England, the 45‑point proved tricky. Hand‑clocks of the time weren’t precise enough for a clean 45‑mark, and moving the hand a full 15 minutes sometimes missed the exact spot. To keep things simple, the English shortened the last step to 40. The result? 0‑15‑30‑40‑game. The change stuck, and now it’s part of the sport’s global language.

How the scoring works today

Each player starts at "love" (zero). First point = 15, second = 30, third = 40. If both reach 40, it’s called "deuce" and you need two consecutive points to win: "advantage" then "game". This odd system makes comebacks exciting and gives commentators a built‑in drama.

Some people suggest switching back to 45 because it sounds logical. But the 40 system is woven into every rulebook, scoreboard, and player’s mind. Changing it would confuse fans, break historic records, and require a massive rewrite of the rules.

So, the short answer: 40 survived because old clocks made 45 hard to show, and the sport kept the simpler version. It’s a quirky piece of history that adds character to tennis.

Next time you hear a commentator shout "40‑love" or "deuce", you’ll know it’s not a mistake – it’s a tiny reminder of a centuries‑old clock and a bit of English practicality. Enjoy the game with that fresh perspective!