What is Tennis?

Tennis is a globally recognized sport played on a rectangular court, where players use a racket to hit a ball over a net. The game is played in singles and doubles formats. Tennis rules govern aspects such as scoring, serving, court dimensions, and player conduct, ensuring fair play and consistency across all levels. The sport is known for its structured tennis scoring system and a set of regulations established by governing bodies like the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Brief History of Tennis

Tennis evolved from a game called “jeu de paume” in 12th-century France, where players hit a ball with their hands. It later developed into the modern sport in England during the 19th century, with the first official rules written in 1874. Since then, tennis has grown into a global sport governed by organizations like the ITF.

Objective of the Game

The primary goal in a tennis match is to win the game by scoring enough points to win sets and, ultimately, the match. Players aim to win the set by winning at least six games with a two-game lead.

Basic Tennis Rules

Court Layout & Dimensions

• Singles court: 78 feet long × 27 feet wide
• Doubles court: 78 feet long × 36 feet wide
• Net height: 3 feet at the center

The side of the court affects player positioning and strategy. In doubles matches, communication and positioning are key to covering the larger playing area effectively.

Equipment Regulations (Racket, Ball, Net)

• Tennis Racket: Must be within 29 inches in length and 12.5 inches in width. String tension and frame stiffness impact ball control and power. Different rackets cater to different play styles, such as power-focused or control-oriented rackets.
• Grips & Strings: Choosing the right equipment, from racket grip size to string tension, is crucial for improving your game and preventing injuries.
• Tennis Ball: Standard pressurized ball approved by the ITF, with different surface coatings:
• Clay Court Balls: Softer with more felt for greater grip on the surface.
• Grass Court Balls: Lower felt for faster speed and less resistance.
• Hard Court Balls: Balanced durability and bounce.
• Tennis Net: If the ball hits the net during play but lands in the correct court, the point continues.

Singles vs Doubles Rules

• Singles: One player serves and receives from opposite service boxes.
• Doubles: Players must coordinate their serves and responses, ensuring fair play in the doubles match format

Serving Rules

Serving Procedure & Positioning

• The server must stand behind the baseline and within the imaginary extension of the center mark and sideline.
• The serve must land in the service box diagonally opposite the server.
• First Serve & Second Serve: Players get two chances to serve. If the first serve is a fault, they can attempt a second serve.

Faults & Double Faults

• Fault: A serve is a fault if:
• The ball does not land in the correct service box.
• The server steps on or over the baseline before hitting the ball (foot fault).
• The ball is not tossed correctly or struck cleanly.
• Double Fault: Two consecutive faults result in the loss of the point.

Tennis Scoring System

Point System (Love, 15, 30, 40, Deuce, Advantage)

Understanding how to score in tennis is crucial for both beginners and competitive players. The game follows a unique point progression: love, 15, 30, 40, and deuce.

• Love: Zero points
• 15, 30, 40: Progressive scoring system
• Deuce: A tie at 40-40. A player must win two consecutive points from deuce to win the game. The first point won after deuce is called Advantage. If the player with the advantage loses the next point, the score returns to deuce.

Games, Sets, and Matches

• Winning a Game: A player needs to win four points to win a game with a two-point lead.
• Winning a Set: The first player to win the set must take at least six games with a two-game advantage.
• Winning a Match: The first player must win a best-of-three or best-of-five tennis match format.
• Break Points: A break point occurs when the receiver has a chance to win a game against the server. Converting break points is crucial for gaining an advantage in a match.
• Match Points: A match point is the final point that, if won by a player, will win them the match.

Tiebreaker Rules

• 7-Point Tiebreaker: The first to seven points wins, leading by two points.
• 10-Point Tiebreaker: Used in deciding sets of some tournaments.
• 6-6 Rule: If both players reach 6-6 in a set, a tiebreaker is played.
• Back to Deuce: If both players reach a tie in the game, it resets to deuce and must be won by two consecutive points.

Out Calls & Ball Contact with the Net

• Out Balls: A ball is out if it lands beyond the sidelines (wide) or baseline (long).
• Not Up: A ball is out if it bounces more than once before being returned.
• Ball Touching the Net: If the ball touches the net during a rally but lands in play, the point continues.

Advanced Tennis Rules & Situations

Doubles Serve Order

• The serving order rotates every four games. At the start of each set:
• The serving team decides which partner (Player A or B) will serve first.
• The receiving team decides which partner (Player C or D) will receive first.
• The rotation follows: A serves for two games, then B serves for two games, then back to A, and so on.
• The receiving team typically keeps the same receiving order throughout the set.

Let Rules

• Net Cord: If a serve touches the net but lands in the correct service box, it is replayed.
• Outside Interference: A let is called if a ball from another court rolls onto the playing surface.
• Hindrance: A let may be called if a player is hindered by an external factor, such as a sudden loud noise, a ball rolling onto the court, or a player being distracted by something in the stands (but not by their opponent’s legal play), or a questionable line call that is later overruled.

Additional Advanced Rules

• Carrying/Double Hit: If a player hits the ball twice in a single motion, it is a double hit and considered illegal. This is because it gives the player an unfair advantage by allowing them to steer the ball in a way that is not permitted by the rules.
• Hindrance: A player cannot intentionally obstruct their opponent. If an umpire decides that a player was intentionally interfered with, they can give the point to the other player.
• Unintentional hindrance, such as a player accidentally dropping their racket or momentarily obstructing their opponent’s view, may result in a let being called.

Conclusion

Start playing tennis today! Understanding tennis rules will improve your gameplay and make watching professional matches more enjoyable. Learn more Sports Rules to start improving your skills today!