In this guide
The target and the margin are two conditionsAn original sequence shows the boundarySix-all refers to games before the tie-breakA deciding-set tie-break and a match tie-break differUse the edition when revisiting older matchesA ten-point tie-break is not necessarily over when a player reaches ten. The winning player must also lead by at least two points. At 10–9, neither condition has been satisfied together by a winner.
At Roland-Garros and the other Grand Slams, a deciding set reaching six games all uses the common ten-point tie-break convention. That context should be kept separate from formats that use a match tie-break in place of a whole deciding set.
The target and the margin are two conditions
At 10–8, the leading player has reached ten and leads by two, so the tie-break is complete. At 10–9, the leader has reached the target but has only a one-point margin. Another point must be played.
If the score becomes 11–9, the leader now has the necessary two-point gap. If it becomes 10–10, play continues until someone establishes that gap. The name ten-point describes the initial target, not a hard ceiling on the number of points played.
An original sequence shows the boundary
Imagine fictional players Aria and Bela reaching 9–9. Aria wins the next point for 10–9. The match is not yet over. Bela then wins for 10–10, and Aria wins the next two for 12–10. Aria wins the tie-break at that final score.
This is an invented scoring sequence, not a real Roland-Garros result. It is useful because every intermediate score remains visible: one point can create a match point without completing the match.
Six-all refers to games before the tie-break
The deciding set first reaches six games all. The tie-break then uses its own point count. Do not combine the six games with the tie-break points as though both were the same unit. A set score graphic and a tie-break detail line are describing different levels of the scoring hierarchy.
A match-point announcement also differs from a final result. It identifies an opportunity to complete the winning conditions on the next point. If that point is lost, the opportunity can disappear while play continues.
A deciding-set tie-break and a match tie-break differ
A deciding-set tie-break occurs after the players have already reached the relevant game score in that set. A match tie-break replaces the deciding set entirely in formats that specify it. Both can use a ten-point target and two-point margin while occupying different places in the match.
This is why a doubles scorecard can look unlike a singles scorecard. The discipline and competition format establish whether the bracketed tie-break represents the end of a played set or the replacement for one.
Use the edition when revisiting older matches
Grand Slam final-set rules have changed over time. A modern common convention should not be projected backwards onto every historic Roland-Garros match. Keep the year and discipline with the score, then use the applicable format to explain why play continued or why a particular tie-break settled the contest.