Tennis: Basic Rules

A tennis court is a rectangle divided by a net into two equal halves, with baselines at the back where players serve and service boxes where serves must land.

How Tennis is Played:

  • Scoring: Points progress from 15 to 30 to 40, then game. At 40-40 ("deuce"), a player must win two consecutive points to take the game.
  • Sets: A set consists of games, with players needing six games to win by a two-game margin. At 6-6, a tiebreak may decide the set.
  • Match: Matches are typically best-of-three or best-of-five sets. Major tournaments have best-of-five for men and best-of-three for women.
  • Serving: A player serves from behind the baseline into the opponent’s diagonal service box, with two chances to make a valid serve.
  • Rally: Players alternate hitting the ball over the net, aiming to stay in play and outmaneuver their opponent.
  • Rules: Players follow rules on serving, boundaries, and conduct, ensuring fair play and sportsmanship.
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