Tennis has a language all its own. From “love” and “break point” to “tiebreak” and “deuce,” the scoring system can feel like a puzzle to newcomers. One of the most commonly misunderstood terms is “AD”, which appears on scoreboards during tight games. If you’ve ever watched a match and wondered what “AD” means—and why it matters so much—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
TLDR: In tennis, AD stands for advantage and occurs when the score reaches deuce (40-40). The player who wins the next point after deuce gains the advantage, meaning they are one point away from winning the game. If they win the following point, they win the game; if they lose it, the score returns to deuce. “AD” represents a pivotal, high-pressure moment that can shift the momentum of a match.
Understanding the Basics of Tennis Scoring
Before diving into what “AD” means, it helps to understand how tennis scoring works. Unlike many other sports, tennis uses a unique point structure within each game:
- 0 points = Love
- 1 point = 15
- 2 points = 30
- 3 points = 40
- 4 points = Game (if at least two points ahead)
Players must win at least four points to win a game, but there’s a twist: they must also win by a margin of two points. That’s where “deuce” and “advantage” come into play.
When both players reach 40, the score is called deuce. From that point on, a player needs two consecutive points to win the game. The first of those two points is called advantage—or simply “AD.”
Image not found in postmetaWhat Exactly Does AD Mean?
AD is short for advantage. It signifies that a player has won a point after deuce and is now only one point away from winning the game.
Here’s how it works step by step:
- The score reaches 40-40 (deuce).
- One player wins the next point.
- The score becomes AD-In or AD-Out.
- If the player with AD wins the following point, they win the game.
- If they lose the next point, the score returns to deuce.
The “In” and “Out” distinction depends on who is serving:
- AD-In: The server has the advantage.
- AD-Out: The receiver has the advantage.
This subtle difference becomes crucial during competitive matches, especially when service games are tightly contested.
Why Is Advantage So Important?
The advantage point is often a turning point in a game. At deuce, both players are locked in a dead heat. Winning the advantage point gives one player a psychological edge. However, it doesn’t guarantee victory.
Because a player must win two consecutive points from deuce, games can stretch on for several minutes—or even longer. It’s not uncommon to see multiple swings:
- Deuce
- AD-In
- Deuce
- AD-Out
- Deuce again
This back-and-forth battle adds drama and tension, especially in critical moments such as:
- Break points
- Set points
- Match points
In professional matches, these extended deuce battles can test a player’s stamina, focus, and nerves.
A Quick Example of AD in Action
Imagine Player A is serving, and the score is 40-40.
Player A wins the next rally. The umpire announces, “Advantage, Server.” This means the score is AD-In. Player A now has a chance to close out the game.
If Player A wins the next point, the game is over. But if Player B wins it instead, the score goes back to deuce.
Now suppose Player B wins the next rally. The umpire calls, “Advantage, Receiver.” That’s AD-Out. Player B now has a chance to break serve.
This alternating pattern can continue until one player finally wins two consecutive points from deuce.
Image not found in postmetaThe Psychological Battle at Deuce and AD
While “AD” might seem like just another scoring term, its impact goes deeper. At deuce, pressure intensifies. Every shot matters. The advantage point often determines who controls the momentum.
For the server:
- Holding serve at AD-In is expected.
- Losing from AD-In can be deflating.
For the receiver:
- Winning at AD-Out means breaking serve—a major accomplishment.
- Failing to convert can feel like a missed opportunity.
Professional players often develop specific strategies for deuce points. Some opt for aggressive serves to earn a quick win. Others play it safe, relying on consistency and patience.
No-Ad Scoring: A Modern Variation
In some formats of tennis, particularly doubles and college matches, you may encounter no-ad scoring.
With no-ad scoring:
- Games are played to 40-40.
- At deuce, the next point wins the game.
- There is no advantage point.
This system speeds up matches and eliminates prolonged deuce battles. It adds a sudden-death element that increases intensity. However, traditional tennis—especially at the professional level—still uses standard advantage scoring in most matches.
Where You’ll See “AD” Displayed
Modern scoreboards, whether digital or manual, usually show “AD” instead of “40” once a player gains the advantage.
For example:
- Player 1: AD
- Player 2: 40
This indicates that Player 1 has the advantage. If the scoreboard shows:
- Player 1: 40
- Player 2: AD
Then Player 2 has the advantage.
Commentators often shorten the call to simply “Ad-In” or “Ad-Out,” especially during fast-paced exchanges.
The Origin of the Term “Advantage”
The scoring system in tennis dates back centuries, with roots in medieval France. While the exact origins of “15, 30, 40” are debated, the concept of needing a two-point margin has long been embedded in the sport.
The term advantage reflects precisely what it implies: one player has an edge but has not yet secured victory. It’s a temporary upper hand that must be confirmed by winning the next point.
This built-in requirement for a two-point lead ensures that games aren’t decided by a single lucky shot. Instead, a player must demonstrate consistency under pressure.
How AD Influences Match Strategy
At recreational levels, players may simply focus on winning the next point. But at competitive levels, AD points are often carefully planned.
Players may adjust tactics by:
- Targeting an opponent’s weaker side (backhand or forehand)
- Using a safer first serve to avoid double faults
- Approaching the net to shorten the rally
- Engaging in longer rallies to force errors
Coaches frequently train athletes to treat deuce points as “mini match points.” The ability to perform well in these situations often separates good players from great ones.
AD in Singles vs Doubles
The concept of AD applies in both singles and doubles play. However, its impact can differ.
In singles:
- One player is solely responsible for winning the point.
- Mental resilience is especially critical.
In doubles:
- Partners must coordinate strategy.
- Communication becomes vital.
- Serving order and positioning play a bigger role.
Because doubles often uses no-ad scoring in some tournaments, players must be adaptable to different rules.
Common Misconceptions About AD
1. AD means the game is over.
Not true. The player still must win one more point.
2. AD only happens once.
Wrong again. The score can return to deuce multiple times.
3. AD guarantees momentum.
While it provides a psychological edge, it doesn’t guarantee success.
Understanding these nuances helps spectators appreciate the tension and complexity of close games.
Why AD Makes Tennis So Exciting
The advantage system is one of the reasons tennis matches can feel so suspenseful. Instead of ending abruptly at 40-40, players must earn their victory with consecutive points.
This structure:
- Rewards composure under pressure
- Creates dramatic momentum swings
- Adds layers of strategy
- Enhances spectator excitement
Some of the most memorable moments in tennis history have unfolded during extended deuce battles. The crowd quiets. Every serve echoes. Every rally could tip the balance.
Final Thoughts
So, what does AD mean in tennis? It stands for advantage—a critical moment that occurs after deuce when a player is just one point away from winning the game. Yet that single point can feel like the longest and most difficult one to win.
Far more than a simple abbreviation on a scoreboard, AD represents pressure, opportunity, and momentum. It captures the essence of tennis: a sport where skill, strategy, and mental toughness converge in decisive moments. The next time you see “AD” during a match, you’ll know you’re witnessing one of the most important and dramatic phases of the game.