Tennis is played by hitting a ball with a racket over a net into the opponent’s court, aiming for the ball to bounce twice or for the opponent to fail to return it legally. A match is typically best-of-three or five sets, with sets won by reaching six games (ahead by two). Points follow a 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, Game sequence, requiring a two-point margin at 40-40 (deuce).
Key Rules of Tennis
- Serving: The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The server gets two attempts; a failed second attempt is a “double fault,” awarding the point to the receiver.
- Scoring: Points are 0, 15, 30, 40, and Game.
- Deuce: At 40-40, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game (Advantage In/Out).
- Sets: A set is won by the first to 6 games with a 2-game lead. A tiebreak (first to 7 points, leading by 2) is played at 6-6.
- The Ball: The ball must land within the designated boundary lines. Any part of the line is considered “in”.
- Play: The ball can only bounce once on a side; a player can volley (hit before it bounces).
- Lets: If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it is a “let” and is replayed without penalty.
- Faults: A point is lost if a player touches the net, hits the ball out of bounds, fails to clear the net, or hits the ball before it crosses to their side.
- Court Switch: Players change sides after the first, third, and every subsequent odd game of a set.
Doubles vs. Singles
- Singles: Uses the narrower court (inner sidelines).
- Doubles: Uses the full width of the court (outer sidelines).
Etiquette
- Calling Score: The server should announce the score before every point.
- Line Calls: Players make line calls on their side, giving opponents the benefit of the doubt on close shots.