How long are matches for 8U, 9U and 10U?

Question

Accepted Answer

Matches are short. The LTA sets approved and recommended formats by age group (Appendix Seven, LTA Competition Regulations 2026):

Age group	Approved formats	Recommended format
8U (red)	One match tie-break	One match tie-break (all grades)
9U (orange)	One match tie-break; best of three tie-breaks; one FAST4 set	Grades 1-3: best of three tie-breaks. Grades 4-5: one match tie-break
10U (green)	One FAST4 set; best of two FAST4 sets with a match tie-break at one set all	Grades 1-3: best of two FAST4 sets with a match tie-break. Grades 4-5: one FAST4 set

What the terms mean:

Match tie-break: first to 10 points, 2 clear at 9-9.
Tie-break (in "best of three tie-breaks"): first to 7 points, 2 clear at 6-6.
FAST4 set: first to 4 games, with a tie-break at 3-3, and no-ad scoring (one deciding point at deuce).
A deciding point can be used instead of playing on to 2 clear at 6-6 or 9-9.

The competition fact sheet states the format before entries open. Under the ITF Rules of Tennis, organisers of 10-and-under events can also set a time limit for matches.

The minimum rest periods between matches that apply to older players (30 or 60 minutes) don't apply to 8U, 9U and 10U events.