How are 10 and under matches scored, and can they have a time limit?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Appendix VIII of the 2026 ITF Rules of Tennis, red, orange and green ball competitions can use any scoring method in the Rules of Tennis, plus shorter formats such as:

one match tie-break (first to 7 or 10 points, winning by two);
best of three tie-breaks or match tie-breaks;
one short set (first to four games, winning by two, with a tie-break at 4-4 or, if the organiser chooses, at 3-3);
one regular set.

Other approved options include No-Ad scoring (one deciding point at deuce, receiver chooses the side) and the No-Let rule (a serve that clips the net and lands in the box is played).

Timed matches: the tournament committee may also set a specific time period for matches in a 10 and under event, so a match can end when time is up rather than when a set is complete.

The organiser picks the format for each event and announces it in advance.