TPFSlam · Maiden Edition

2026 Tournament

Preliminary Match Rules

Pick your format

You and your opponent(s) agree on a match format before you play. As long as both sides agree and the result produces a clear winner, any of the three options below is fair game.

LTA full scoring guide →

Option 1

Standard Set

~45–60 min

Best for: A quick, traditional feel.

First to 6 games wins, must win by 2.
At 6–6, play a 7-point tiebreak (first to 7, win by 2).
One set = the match. Winner of the set wins the round.

Option 2

Best of 3 Short Sets (Fast4)

~60–80 min

Best for: A best-of-3 feel without the full time commitment.

Sets are first to 4 games, win by 2. Tiebreak at 3–3.
Best of 3 sets.
If it reaches a deciding set, play a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a third set.
No-ad scoring (sudden-death at deuce) is standard for Fast4.

Option 3

12-Point Match Tiebreak

~30–45 min

Best for: A quicker, turn-based match — especially good for less experienced players.

First to 12 points wins, must win by 2 (no sudden-death).
Opening serve switches after 1 point; then players alternate serves every 2 points.

Common rules (all formats)

Tiebreak: standard 7-point tiebreak (win by 2), unless the format specifies otherwise.
No-ad scoring (sudden-death at deuce) is optional in any format if both sides agree before the match.
Let serves (clips the net and lands in): replay the serve, per ITF rules.
Warm-up: ~5 minutes of rallying + 2 minutes of serves before the first point.
Coin flip or racquet spin decides who serves first.

Self-umpired

Most preliminary matches will be self-umpired:

Each side calls lines on their own end of the court. Make calls clearly and promptly.
If you're unsure whether a ball was in or out, call it in — benefit of the doubt goes to your opponent.
Score is announced by the server before each point.
Disputes: if there's a disagreement that can't be resolved, replay the point.

Perfect (or a volunteer) will try to attend matches to umpire or spectate when possible — but don't count on it by default. If an umpire matters for a particular match, let Perfect know in advance.

Pace yourself

Try not to play more than 2 tournament matches in a single day.
You don't have to play all your matches in one go — the window spans May to June for a reason.
Coordinate early with opponents. Lock dates as soon as you can; don't let fixtures pile up for the last weekend.
Hydrate, warm up properly, cool down. Tennis on hot days is no joke.

Play safe

Players compete at their own risk. Know your limits and play within them.
Before stepping on, check the court: surface free of cracks/debris, net at correct tension, adequate lighting, no obstructions.
If a court isn't safe, don't play. Reschedule or find a different court.
Bring your own water, sun protection, and any personal medical kit. Don't rely on the venue.