Want to learn how to play tennis? Or, do you want to understand what’s going on when you’re at a tournament or watching tennis on TV? Obviously, you’re going to need to know the rules of tennis in order to understand the sport. However, they can be a little complicated to remember at first, but we’ll walk you through every little detail as best and as simply as we can. So, read on if you want to learn more about the official tennis rules recognized by most tennis organizations.
First of all, the rules of tennis are different (although mostly similar) for singles matches and doubles matches. But before we go over that stuff, let’s review some of the general tennis rules and regulations that apply to all of tennis before we learn how to play tennis for singles and doubles.
General Rules of Tennis
- A ball must land within bounds for play to continue; if a player hits the ball outside of bounds, this results in the loss of the point for them.
- Players/teams cannot touch the net or posts or cross onto the opponent’s side.
- Players/teams cannot carry the ball or catch it with the racquet.
- Players cannot hit the ball twice.
- Players must wait until the ball passes the net before they can return it.
- A player that does not return a live ball before it bounces twice loses the point.
- If the ball hits or touches the players, that counts as a penalty.
- If the racquet leaves the hand or verbal abuse occurs, a penalty is given.
- Any ball that bounces on the lines of boundary are considered good.
- A serve must bounce first before the receiving player can return it.
Equipment
- Racquet – A racquet is comprised of a handle, a frame, and strings that are bound in a crisscross weaving pattern. A racquet’s frame should not exceed 32 inches in length, with a handle no longer than 12.5 inches in width, and a surface no more than 15.5 inches in overall length or 11.5 inches in width. There can also be no objects or devices on the racquet except for ones that prevent vibration and wear and tear.
- Ball – A tennis ball is white or yellow in color for tournaments, with measurements of 2-1/2 to 2-5/8 inches in diameter and weighing anywhere from 2 to 2-1/16 ounces. The elasticity of the ball and the uniform outer surface are also determined by approved specifications.
Scoring
- Points – Smallest unit of measurement. Points increment from Love(0)-15-30-40-game.
- Games – Games consist of 4 points each, and is won when a player reaches 4 points with at least a 2 point advantage.
- Sets – A set consists of 6 games and is won by the player/team who reaches 6 games first with least a 2 point lead.
- Advantage Set – If a game score of 6-6 is reached and advantage set rules are used, a player/team can only win a set with a 2 game lead.
- Matches – A match is usually played as best of 3 or best of 5 sets.
- Deuce – Occurs if a score of 40-40 is reached. In order to win the game, a player/team must win 2 consecutive points in order to take the game. If a player wins one point, they have advantage, but if they lose the next point, the score returns to deuce.
- Tie-break game – If a game score of 6-6 is reached and tie-break set rules are used, players must play a tie-break game in order to decide who wins the set. In a tie-break game, a player/team must reach 7 points with a two point advantage to win. For the serving format of a tie-break game, player 1 serves for the first point, player 2 serves for the next two points, player 1 serves for the next two points after that, etc.
You can find a more in-depth look at how tennis is scored here and all the terms that are used (including alternate tennis rules terms) here.
Official measurements of a typical tennis court
What Do the Lines Mean?
- Baseline – The baselines are the lines on either end of the court that determines the boundaries of play going lengthwise. They are also where a player serves behind.
- Center Mark – The center mark determines the two halves of the tennis court. It mainly helps with service to determine where a player should stand prior to serving.
- Center Line – The center line divides the two service boxes into a distinct left service box and right service box on either side of the court. Landing a serve on the line is considered good.
- Net – The net stands 3 feet and 6 inches high where the posts lie while the middle of the net is 3 feet tall, with the posts 3 feet outside of the court on either side. Hitting a ball into the net is considered an out while any ball that hits the net cord and falls onto the other side is considered good except for a serve, which allows for a re-do, or let.
- Service Line – The service line separates the forecourt from the back court, and it also marks the length of the service box.
- Singles Sideline – The singles sideline is the innermost line running lengthwise and determines the boundary of play for singles matches as well as the width of the service box.
- Doubles Sideline – The doubles sideline is the outermost line running lengthwise and is only used in doubles matches.
Who Serves First?
A flip of the coin or spin of the racket, known as the toss, determines which player or team serves first. If called correctly, the player or team that did so chooses who serves first. The player/team who did not call it correctly decides which side of the court they want to play on first.
Rally
The rally consists of the exchange of shots after the serve is made until a player/team makes a mistake and loses the point. Any shot that is hit within bounds is considered good and allows the rally to continue. If you want to learn how to play tennis, you will need to know how to rally consistently.
Serving and Choosing Sides
- Foot Fault – A foot fault is when a player steps into the court or crosses the center mark before they have made contact with the ball. This results in the loss of the serve.
- Proper Serve – A player serves on the right side of the court at the beginning of each game, with the goal of serving the ball into the diagonal service box. If the serve lands in the correct service box, play can continue. The server switches to serve on the left side for the next point, and vice versa until the game is over.
Players serve from the right side of the court at the beginning of each game, trying to land their shot into the opposite side’s diagonal service b
- First Service – The server is allowed two chances to land their ball into the service box. The first attempt is known as the first service. Failing the first service leads to the second service.
- Second Service – The second attempt is known as the second service. Failing the second service results in the loss of the point.
- Let – A let is a re-do given to a player who serves although the ball hits the net cord before falling into the correct service box. You are allowed an infinite amount of lets, although it does not happen often.
- Order of Service – The player/team who wins the toss serves first (team that wins chooses which player serves). If playing singles matches, players alternate between serving and receiving every game. If playing doubles matches, teams alternate between serving and receiving every game, with each player on a team getting the chance to serve before the cycle repeats.
- Switching Sides – Players/teams switch sides for every odd-numbered game (so, games 3, 5, 7 etc.)
Singles Vs. Doubles Tennis Rules
The tennis rules for singles and doubles matches are a little different, although mainly regarding serving order and court size. Doubles tennis rules are just slightly adapted to make room for an extra player on either side of the court, but for the most part, doubles tennis rules are very much the same as singles matches. So, here’s how to play tennis for singles and doubles matches.
Singles Tennis Rules
Court Size
A singles court uses the innermost sideline and measures a total of 27 feet wide by 78 feet long.
Serving Order
The player who wins the toss chooses who serves first. Whomever is serving first serves for the entire duration of the first game. After the game, the next server will be the player who received last, serving for the duration of the second game. For every odd-numbered game, players switch sides of the court.
Tie-Break Serving Order
If a score of 6-6 is reached and tie-break rules are used, a tie-break game is played in order to determine which player wins the set. For a tie-break game, the goal is to reach 7 points first with a lead of at least 2, and doing so results in the win of the set. The player who serves first is the player who would normally serve after 6-6, or 12 games.
The serving order for a tie-break is as follows:
- Point 1: Player A
- Point 2: Player B
- Point 3: Player B
- Point 4: Player A
- Point 5: Player A
- Point 6: Player B
- Point 7: Player B
- Point 8: Player A
- Point 9: Player A
- …
Match Format
A singles match is often played to the best of 3 sets, although some mens singles tournaments play to the best of 5. It really all depends on the preferences of the players on the rules of the tournament.
Doubles Tennis Rules
Court Size
A doubles court uses the outermost sideline and measures a total of 36 feet wide by 78 feet long.
Serving Order
The team who wins the toss chooses which team serves first, and that team will choose which of them will serve first. Whoever is serving first serves for the entire duration of the first game. After the game, the next server will be chosen by that team and will serve for the duration of the second game. For every odd-numbered game, teams switch sides of the court, and the player who hasn’t served yet from the first game must now serve, and the player who hasn’t served yet from the second team serves afterward, and so on.
Tie-Break Serving Order
The serving order for a tie-break is as follows:
- Point 1: Player A
- Point 2: Player X
- Point 3: Player X
- Point 4: Player B
- Point 5: Player B
- Point 6: Player Y
- Point 7: Player Y
- Point 8: Player A
- Point 9: Player A
- …
Match Format
A doubles match is often played to the best of 5 sets.
FAQs
How many sets does it take to win a match? Matches on the ATP Tour (and Hologic WTA Tour) are best of three sets. If a player wins the first two sets, the third is not played. At Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open), men play best of five sets, while women play best of three.
How many sets do you have to win in pro tennis? ›
How many sets does it take to win a match? Matches on the ATP Tour (and Hologic WTA Tour) are best of three sets. If a player wins the first two sets, the third is not played. At Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open), men play best of five sets, while women play best of three.
How do you win in professional tennis? ›
Tennis is played in points: Four points win a game, six games win a set, and two or three sets win a match. You can decide how long you want your game to be but most matches are played as best-of-three or five set contests.
What is a 7 point tie break in tennis? ›
The first player or team to win seven points, by two, wins the tiebreak. This means the score can end up being very high (e.g. 15-13) or as low as 7-0 through 7-5. Whoever wins the tiebreak game, wins the set by a score of 7-6.
How do you play tennis like a pro? ›
It's important to remember that there is no perfect way to play a tennis stroke, but these tips offer some fundamentals to help you hone your skills.
- Early preparation. ...
- Exaggerate your follow through. ...
- Hit-recover. ...
- Keep your head still. ...
- Get your back leg behind the ball. ...
- Pull back on your serve speed.
Scoring Games, Sets and Matches
There are six games in a set and two or three games in a match. Players must win a set by two games, and match by two sets.
What is a pro set first to 8? ›
Pro sets tend to be used at the recreational level and simplify the format of a tennis match completely. Instead of playing multiple sets, opponents will instead engage in a single set which is first to 8 games. Instead of a tie break being played at 6-6, it is played at 8-8 in a pro set.
What does love mean in tennis? ›
Love – A term used in tennis instead of the word 'nil' or 'zero'. It is used to describe a lack of score in either points, games or sets. i.e. a game score of 30-0 is given as '30 love' and a set score of 6-0 is given as 'six love'.
How do you win after deuce in tennis? ›
Tennis score after a deuce
A player has to score two consecutive points to win the game following deuce. The first point scored after deuce is known as "advantage." Once a player scores advantage, their next point wins. If that player loses the point, then the score reverts to deuce.
How do they calculate tennis rankings? ›
Tennis rankings work based on a points system that adds up players' 18 best results in the previous 52 weeks. In order to earn ranking points, tennis players must participate in events hosted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the ATP, and the WTA.
If the score reaches 6–5 (or 5–6), one further game is played. If the leading player wins this game, the set is won 7–5 (or 5–7). If the trailing player wins the game, the score is tied at 6–6 and a special tiebreaker game is played. The winner of the tiebreak wins the set by a score of 7–6 (or 6–7).
What is 10-point tiebreak? ›
Tie Break Tens is an exhibition tennis format in which only tie-break matches are played. There are no games or sets, only tie-break matches and the winner is the first player to reach 10 points and lead by a margin of two. Most other traditional rules of tennis are the same.
What does ad mean in tennis? ›
ACE – A ball that is served so well the opponent cannot touch it with their racquet. AD – Short for Advantage. It is the point scored after Deuce. If the serving side scores, it is Ad-in.
How can I improve my tennis skills fast? ›
5 Ways To Improve Your Tennis
- Get the right forehand grip. Despite often being overlooked, how you grip a tennis racket is one of the most important aspects of the game. ...
- Prepare early for groundstrokes. ...
- Keep your head still when playing tennis. ...
- Practice your tennis ball toss. ...
- Don't be hard on yourself during tennis matches.
Becoming A Professional Tennis Player Is Hard
In the uber-competitive world of professional tennis merely having talent is not enough and hoping that skill alone will be enough will see you fall short.
How many years does it take to get good at tennis? ›
You should also be aware of the common misconceptions about learning tennis. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the journey of a beginner tennis player as they progress to becoming an intermediate and ultimately an advanced player. It might take 6 months to a year of learning to be able to rally and enjoy tennis.
What does 40 love mean in tennis? ›
In tennis, “love” is the term used for a score of zero or nil. For example, if the score is 40-0, you would call it “forty-love.” The term love can also be used to count games in a set, such as 6-0 (“six-love”).
What does 7 6 4 mean in tennis? ›
Such as in the example above being shown as 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-5. The number in parenthesis indicates the points accumulated by the player that lost the tiebreaker - which also allows you to know the other player won by either getting 7 points or by getting 2 more than the number shown in parenthesis.
How do you determine who serves in tennis? ›
Whoever wins the toss gets to choose who will serve first or which side of the net the players will take. The choice not taken is made by the loser of the coin toss. You may win the toss but give your opponent the choice of serve/receive or sides. The server must serve diagonally into the service box across the court.
How many sets do pros play? ›
Most professional men's tennis matches are played in a best-of-three sets format, with 6 games (and a possible tiebreak) in each set. In Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open), men play best-of-five sets, which means that players need to win 3 sets to win the match.
A PRO-SET is one in which the winner is required to win 8 games by a margin of two games. A 7-Point Tiebreaker will be used to complete a set tied at 8 all in a PRO-SET. the match is put in play) until the match finishes at the conclusion of the last point. Between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed.
What is the tie breaker in 8 game pro set? ›
An 8 Game pro-set is a race to 8 games. The first player to win 8 games wins the match. If the score reaches 7-7, a 7-point tiebreaker is played to determine the winner.
How do you say 0 in tennis? ›
In tennis, love is a word that represents a score of zero, and has been used as such since the late 1800s.
What does 15 mean in tennis? ›
In tennis, 15 does not represent 15 points. Instead, 15 denotes the score of a single point. The origins of this score value remain relatively obscure, with references dating back to the 1400s.
What do you call zero in tennis? ›
In tennis, “love” means zero. Scoring in tennis isn't like most other sports that follow a linear one, two, three type of progression.
What do you say after deuce? ›
Once at deuce, you will begin to use "Advantage" or "Ad." If the server wins the deuce point, the next point is called "Ad In." If the server wins the Ad point, the game is over, and the server "held" serve.
Why is 40 all called deuce? ›
When a game is at the 40-40 mark and a player still needs to win by two clear points, then it goes to deuce. This is where a player must first score to gain advantage in the game, then score the next point to win. It comes from the French word deux de jeux, meaning two games (or points in this case).
What is the fourth point in tennis called? ›
The fourth point is game. That is, if the opponent has not made more than 2 points, or 30. The score is called deuce is each player or team has 3 points, or 40. After deuce, a player/team must win two consecutive points to win the game.
What is a 4.0 tennis player? ›
4.0. Intermediate-Advanced Player: Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. May be starting to master the use of power and spins (though tends to over-hit difficult shots).
What does 2.5 mean in tennis? ›
2.5: Player is ready to play league matches and low-level tournaments. 3.0: The player is fairly consistent, hitting medium-paced shots, but struggles in other situations. 3.5: Player has dependable strokes but lacks variety. 4.0: Similar to 3.5, but more variety.
Billie Jean King fulfilled her lifelong dream to give women's tennis the prominence it deserved by forming the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. She became its first president. The WTA is the global leader in women's professional sport.
What does 9.0 mean in tennis? ›
UNIVERSAL 9 AND 10: Upper level female collegiate player…
These players are among the best players in an area. Junior players at these levels are highly likely to play U.S. Collegiate Division 1 NCAA tennis. Junior girls will be among the top players nationally.
What happens if it's 6 6 in tennis? ›
The first person to win six games wins a set. If the set score is tied at 5-5, the first person to reach 7 games will win the set. If the set is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker will be played to determine the set.
What does L6 mean in tennis? ›
L6 Tournaments - Open Intermediate Sectional Events
Up to 3-day events; 2-match minimum, 4-match maximum, and open to anyone.
Is a tiebreak to 7 or 10? ›
A 7-point set tiebreak is played when the game count is tied during a set and a 10-point match tiebreak is played when each team has taken a set.
What is a super tie breaker in tennis? ›
Also called super tiebreakers, 10-point match tiebreakers are sometimes used in lieu of a final set when a match becomes tied at one set all or, in the case of a best-of-five-sets match, two sets all. Specific rules must be followed, and the player or doubles team who wins the super tiebreaker wins the match.
Are tie breaks to 10 now? ›
However, new rules introduced in 2022 and first trialled at the French Open, now sees a 10-point tie break to decide all final sets that reach six games all.
What does C mean in tennis? ›
Year-End computer rated (C) players, Mixed Exclusive (M) players, and Tournament (T) players are not subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification. All other players who play in Adult Divisions are subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification.
What is a DF in tennis? ›
Double fault: Two serving faults in a row in one point, causing the player serving to lose the point.
Why does it go 15 30 40 in tennis? ›
Tennis scores were shown in the middle ages on two clock faces which went from 0 to 60. On each score the pointer moved round a quarter from 0 to 15, 30, 45 and a win on 60. Somehow the forty five got truncated to forty when the clock faces dropped out of use.
Lack Of Focus. One of the most common reasons why people struggle to improve at tennis is because they lack focus. If your mind is constantly wandering during practice or match play, then it will be difficult for you to hone your skills and make progress.
What is a good serve in tennis? ›
The most important qualities of a great tennis serve are consistency and control. While power is beneficial for first serves, consistency is more important for second serves and controlling the direction of the ball. Control is how you determine where the ball lands and how the ball bounces.
What age do people go pro in tennis? ›
Although the minimum age requirement to play in a professional tournament is 14, that doesn't mean your child can't prepare extensively before their 14th birthday. In fact, the sheer number of training hours required to have a chance at going pro may surprise you.
Can you go pro in tennis if you start late? ›
It's a common misconception that you can only become a professional tennis player if you start playing at an early age. But, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to go pro in tennis even if you start late.
What age can you turn pro in tennis? ›
Once players reach a certain level of play or turn 19 years old, they are eligible to play on the USTA's professional circuit. A tennis player's success in tournaments will determine how much money they make and how high they are ranked.
Can you get good at tennis late in life? ›
It is still possible to play great tennis at 40: Federer is almost that age now, and can still compete with the very best on his day. The great server, Ivo Karlovic, is well over 40 and still playing professionally, and many leading doubles players are close to entering their fifth decade.
How many times a week does a tennis player train? ›
Top professionals spend 3-4 hours on court for at least four days per week, with less intense sessions on two other days. They will fit strength and conditioning sessions, incorporating speed, agility, and weights, in between on-court sessions.
Is it too late to learn tennis at 40? ›
It's never too late to try something new, especially when it comes to sports. Tennis is one such sport that has no age barriers and can be played at any age. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s or even 50s, you can pick up tennis and enjoy the game just as much as anyone else.
Can you win a tennis set 6 to 5? ›
If the score reaches 6–5 (or 5–6), one further game is played. If the leading player wins this game, the set is won 7–5 (or 5–7). If the trailing player wins the game, the score is tied at 6–6 and a special tiebreaker game is played. The winner of the tiebreak wins the set by a score of 7–6 (or 6–7).
Can tennis go to 6 sets? ›
Scoring the match
A match is completed (usually best of three or best of five) when a player reaches six sets and wins by at least two sets. In this example, Player A won the match by a score of 6-4, 5-7 and 6-1. Player B won the second set 7 to 5, reaching the sixth game first but having to win by two games.
A standard set of tennis is played up to 6 games with a tie-break at 6-6. An average tennis match consists of 3 6-game sets. If a single set format is preferred, an 8-game set format is usually adopted. For one-day events, 4-game sets may be chosen to allow multiple matches.
Can you win a tennis set 5 3? ›
Tennis Scoring: Sets
In order to win a set in the tennis scoring system, you have to win 6 games. If both opponents have 5 games though, then the set will go to 7. The final score of a set can be 6-4 or 6-3 but it cannot be 6-5. Once the score in the set reaches 5-5 it can then only be decided either 7-5 or 7-6.
Why does tennis go to 40 not 45? ›
Tennis scores were shown in the middle ages on two clock faces which went from 0 to 60. On each score the pointer moved round a quarter from 0 to 15, 30, 45 and a win on 60. Somehow the forty five got truncated to forty when the clock faces dropped out of use.
Can you win tennis 3 sets to 2? ›
In tour events, both men and women doubles events are played as 2 out of 3 sets with a match tiebreak (up to 10-points) in lieu of the third set.
What does round of 64 mean in tennis? ›
In a 64 draw, there will probably be 16 seeds. The seeds are numbered, with 1 being the strongest and 16 being the weakest. These players are then spread out through the draw. Numbers 1 and 2 are put in opposite halves, so they cannot meet before the final.
What is reaching 40 points called answer tennis? ›
Marked out of When the points reach 40-40, it is called a DEUCE .
What is the least number of strokes to win a set in tennis? ›
24 points. One stroke to win each point - therefore 24 strokes.
How do you count tennis scores? ›
Each tennis match is made up of two to three sets. To win a set, you must win at least six games. The games are scored starting at "love" (or zero) and go up to 40, but that's actually just four points. From love, the first point is 15, then 30, then 40, then game point, which wins the game.
