Tennis is one of the most exciting and globally admired sports, known for its mix of athleticism, strategy, and grace. From grand arenas like Wimbledon to neighborhood courts, the game attracts millions of players and fans. To truly appreciate this dynamic sport, understanding tennis rules is essential. These rules define fair play, scoring, and gameplay while ensuring balance between skill and sportsmanship.

Whether you’re a beginner picking up a racquet for the first time or a fan looking to follow the sport more closely, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every important aspect of tennis rules, from the court setup to match structure and etiquette.

1. The Objective of Tennis

At its core, tennis is a simple game: players aim to hit the ball over the net into their opponent’s court in such a way that the opponent cannot return it successfully. Despite this straightforward goal, the beauty of tennis lies in its complexity—each rally demands a blend of precision, timing, and tactical intelligence. According to Topend Sports, tennis challenges both the mind and body, requiring quick reflexes and long-term endurance.

2. Court and Equipment

Every match is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. The court’s dimensions differ slightly between singles and doubles play—23.77 meters long, but 8.23 meters wide for singles and 10.97 meters for doubles.

The court can be made of different surfaces—grass, clay, or hard court—each influencing the speed and bounce of the ball. Grass courts favor fast play, while clay slows the game down and rewards endurance.

Players use racquets that must meet specific size and design standards, ensuring fair competition. Tennis balls are made of rubber and covered with felt, designed to provide the right bounce and flight characteristics. The NCERT guidelines also emphasize the importance of proper gear, including shoes with non-marking soles to protect the court surface.

3. Serving Rules in Tennis

Each point in tennis begins with a serve—a shot played from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box. The player serving must stand still before striking the ball, and the serve must clear the net without touching it. If the serve lands outside the service box, it’s a fault.

Two faults in a row result in a double fault, giving the opponent a point. If the ball clips the net but still lands correctly, the point is replayed, known as a let. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the serve sets the tone of every rally and can often be the most decisive stroke in a player’s arsenal.