In tennis, what is a score of zero called?

In tennis, when a player has yet to score any points in a game, their score is famously referred to as "love." This unique terminology often piques the curiosity of newcomers to the sport, as it stands apart from the numerical scoring in most other games. The use of "love" has been a part of tennis scoring since at least the late 1800s, adding a touch of historical charm to every match.

While the exact origin remains somewhat debated, two prominent theories offer compelling explanations for this peculiar term. One widely accepted theory suggests that "love" is a corruption of the French word "l'oeuf," meaning "egg." This connection stems from the visual resemblance of an egg to the numeral zero, much like how "goose egg" is sometimes used to denote a zero score in other sports. As modern lawn tennis evolved from older racquet games played in medieval France and England, it's plausible that this French term was adopted and then phonetically morphed into "love" by English speakers.

Another popular theory suggests that "love" derives from the English idiom "to play for love," meaning to play for the sheer enjoyment and passion of the game, rather than for any monetary reward or tangible prize. In this context, a player with a score of "love" has no points but is still actively participating for the love of the competition. This idea aligns with the values of amateur sportsmanship that were prevalent during the Victorian era when tennis gained significant popularity. Regardless of its precise etymological journey, "love" has become an enduring and iconic part of tennis culture, symbolizing a fresh start in each game and the unwavering dedication of players.