A Complete Guide to Tennis Rules Explained in English | Master the Game

Welcome to your ultimate resource for understanding tennis rules in English. Whether you're a new player, an international fan, or simply brushing up on your knowledge, this guide breaks down the official regulations into easy-to-understand segments. Let's dive into the fascinating world of tennis!

1. The Foundation: Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 meters) long. For singles matches, the court is 27 feet (8.23 meters) wide, while for doubles, it's 36 feet (10.97 meters) wide. The court is divided by a net suspended at a height of 3 feet (0.914 meters) at the center. Players use racquets to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net into the opponent's designated service box or court area.

2. Decoding the Scoring System The tennis scoring system is unique. Points progress from Love (0), to 15, 30, and 40. If both players reach 40, it's called Deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game: the first point is Advantage, and the next point wins the game. Six games win a set, and winning two sets (in most standard matches) or three sets (in Grand Slams for men) wins the match.

3. Starting Play: The Service Rules Each point begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline. The ball must be hit into the diagonally opposite service box without touching the net. A player gets two attempts for a valid serve. A fault occurs if the ball hits the net and fails to land in the correct box, lands outside the service box, or if the server foot-faults (steps on the baseline before contact).

4. During the Rally: Basic Gameplay Regulations Once the ball is in play, players must return it before it bounces twice on their side. The ball must land within the boundaries of the court (including the lines). A player loses the point if they:

• Fail to return the ball.
• Hit the ball into the net or outside the court.
• Touch the ball with anything other than the racquet.
• Touch the net or post while the ball is in play.

5. Key Match Formats and Officials Common match formats are best-of-three or best-of-five sets. Professional matches have officials: the chair umpire calls the score and makes final rulings, line judges call whether balls are in or out, and a net judge watches for service lets. Many tournaments now use electronic Hawk-Eye technology for line challenge systems.

Conclusion Understanding these fundamental tennis rules explained in English is your first step toward truly appreciating the strategy and skill of this global sport. From the quirky scoring to the precise service rules, each aspect adds to the game's depth. Grab your racquet, hit the court, and enjoy playing with confidence!