Rules of Tennis

The object of the game

Two players (singles) or two pairs (doubles) hit a ball back and forth over a net using a racket. You win a point when your opponent can't return the ball into your side of the court within the rules. Win enough points and you win a game; enough games and you win a set; enough sets and you win the match.

Court and equipment

• Court: 23.77 m long, 8.23 m wide for singles (10.97 m for doubles), divided by a net 0.914 m high at the centre.
• Service boxes: the area between the net and the service line, split into two boxes per side.
• Ball: pressurised felt ball, roughly 65 mm in diameter.
• Racket: strung frame, generally 27 inches for adults.

Scoring

Tennis uses a quirky sequence for points inside a game:

• 0 points = "Love"
• 1 point = "15"
• 2 points = "30"
• 3 points = "40"
• 4 points = game (if you're ahead by at least two)

If both players reach 40 it's called deuce. From deuce you need two points in a row: the first is advantage, the second wins the game.

First to 6 games wins a set, but you must lead by two. Matches are usually best of 3 sets (best of 5 in men's Grand Slams).

Serving

• The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball into the service box diagonally opposite.
• You get two attempts. Missing both is a double fault and loses the point.
• Serving alternates from the right (deuce) side to the left (ad) side after every point.
• Players (or teams) swap serve after each game and change ends after odd-numbered games.
• A serve that clips the net and lands in the correct box is a let: replay the serve, no penalty.

Winning a point

You win the point if your opponent:

• Can't return the ball before it bounces twice.
• Hits it into the net or outside the lines.
• Double-faults on serve.
• Touches the net or reaches over it with their racket.

The ball is in if any part of it touches the line.

Tie-breaks

If a set reaches 6-6, a tie-break is played. First to 7 points wins the set, but you still need to lead by two. Some formats use a longer "championship" tie-break to 10 in the deciding set.

Doubles quick notes

• The tramlines (outer sidelines) are in play.
• Serving order is fixed for the whole set within each team.
• Partners alternate receiving side; you stay on the same side for a whole set.

Common terms

• Ace: a serve the opponent can't touch.
• Break: winning a game on your opponent's serve.
• Rally: the exchange of shots during a point.
• Volley: hitting the ball before it bounces.
• Lob: a high shot over your opponent.