In tennis, the answer depends on whether you mean a match or a tournament. A normal match is usually best of 3 sets, while some men’s Grand Slam matches are best of 5 sets; a set is usually won by the first player to 6 games with a 2-game lead, and a tiebreak is often played at 6-6.

Match format

  • Best of 3 sets: win 2 sets to win the match.
  • Best of 5 sets: win 3 sets to win the match.
  • A set usually has 6 games, unless a tiebreak decides it at 6-6.

Tournament rounds

  • If you mean a Grand Slam tournament, there are typically 7 rounds in the main singles draw: first round, second round, third round, fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
  • The total number of rounds in other tournaments can be different depending on the size of the draw.

Simple example

If a player wins 2 sets straight in a best-of-3 match, the match ends quickly. If you are asking about a whole tournament, a Grand Slam player must keep winning through 7 rounds to take the title.

Quick answer

  • Sets in a match: usually 3 or 5 total sets possible, with 2 or 3 needed to win.
  • Rounds in a major tournament: usually 7 rounds.