Tennis Rules Explained in English: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Fans

Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport, but its unique scoring system and rules can seem confusing at first. Whether you're a new player picking up a racket or a fan wanting to deepen your understanding, this guide provides a complete English explanation of the fundamental tennis rules.

1. The Court and Equipment

A standard tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 27 feet (8.23 meters) wide for singles matches. The court is divided by a net. Players use a strung racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net into the opponent's side.

2. The Basic Objective

The core objective is simple: hit the ball within the boundaries of the court so that your opponent cannot return it successfully. A point is won when the opponent fails to return the ball, hits it into the net, or sends it outside the court lines.

3. Understanding the Unique Scoring System

This is where scoring in tennis stands out. Points progress as: Love (0) -> 15 -> 30 -> 40 -> Game.

• A player needs at least four points to win a game, but must lead by two points. If both reach 40-40, it's called "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game.
• Winning six games (with a lead of at least two games) wins a set.
• Matches are typically best-of-three sets (common for women's and some men's events) or best-of-five sets (common for Grand Slam men's events).

4. Starting Play: The Serve

Each point begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline, hit the ball into the diagonally opposite service box. Each player gets two attempts for a successful serve. A missed serve is a "fault"; two faults result in a "double fault," awarding the point to the opponent.

5. Key Rules During a Rally

• In/Out: The ball must land within the designated lines; lines are considered "in."
• One Bounce: The ball can only bounce once on each side before it must be returned.
• Net Play: Players may volley the ball (hit it before it bounces). If a served ball touches the net but lands in the correct service box, it is a "let" and is replayed.

6. Conclusion

Mastering the basic tennis rules and scoring unlocks a greater appreciation for the strategy and excitement of the game. From "love" to "game, set, and match," understanding these fundamentals is the first step to fully enjoying this dynamic sport, whether you're watching or playing. Grab a racket, find a court, and experience the thrill of tennis for yourself!