About Tennis
Tennis is a racket sport played in singles or doubles. Players send a ball over a net and try to place it where the opponent cannot return it successfully.
The Court
Tennis courts have baselines, service boxes, sidelines, and a net.
Learn MoreScoring
Tennis uses points, games, sets, and matches.
Learn MoreServing
Every point begins with a serve.
Learn MoreRallies
Players use forehands, backhands, volleys, and other shots to control the point.
Learn MoreCourt Surfaces
Hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts affect how the ball moves.
Learn MoreGrand Slam Tournaments
Four major tournaments are known as the Grand Slams.
Learn MoreThe Court
Singles and doubles use slightly different court widths. Players serve from behind the baseline and aim diagonally into a service box. The lines determine whether a ball is in or out, and court positioning changes constantly during a rally.
Scoring
Traditional point scores progress from love to 15, 30, 40, and then game, with special rules when players are tied at 40. Players normally need to win enough games to take a set, and enough sets to win a match. Tiebreaks are often used when a set becomes very close.
Serving
The server hits the ball into the opposite service box. A strong serve can create an advantage, but placement, spin, and consistency are also important. The receiver tries to return the serve and begin the rally.
Rallies
A rally continues until the ball bounces twice, lands out, hits the net without crossing, or a player makes another error. Players change speed, direction, height, and spin to move opponents around the court and create openings.
Court Surfaces
Clay often slows the ball and produces higher bounces. Grass can create lower, faster bounces. Hard courts vary but usually fall between those extremes. Players may adjust movement and strategy depending on the surface.
Grand Slam Tournaments
The Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open are the four Grand Slam tournaments. They are played in different countries and on different surfaces. Winning one is considered one of tennis's major achievements.
Tennis Gallery
Tennis brings together power, precision, and years of practice on every kind of court. Swipe or use the arrows to see more.
Serve
Forehand
Backhand
Net Play
Wimbledon
Doubles Match
Clay Court
Youth Tennis
Longest Match Ever