Tennis Rules, Scoring & Court Dimensions – Complete Guide
Tennis is played as singles (one player against one) or doubles (two against two). This guide explains how tennis scoring works, the court dimensions in metres, service rules, tie-breaks, common faults and the differences between singles and doubles. It includes an original court diagram and practical FAQs for players, students and spectators.
A standard tennis court is 23.77 m long, 8.23 m wide for singles and 10.97 m wide for doubles. Points in a standard game progress through love (0), 15, 30 and 40. At 40–40, the score is deuce; a player normally needs two consecutive points from deuce to win the game. Players generally need six games and a two-game lead to win a set, with a tie-break commonly played at 6–6.
Court diagram · Measurements · Scoring · Serving · Rules · FAQs
Tennis Court Diagram
The following original, simplified diagram shows the main court markings. It is an educational illustration rather than a survey or construction drawing.
How to read the diagram: The outer sidelines mark the doubles court; the inner sidelines mark the singles court. The net divides the court in half. Service lines and the centre service line divide the service boxes. The short centre mark on each baseline helps identify the serving position.
Official Tennis Court Dimensions
| Court feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Court length | 23.77 m (78 ft) |
| Singles width | 8.23 m (27 ft) |
| Doubles width | 10.97 m (36 ft) |
| Doubles alley (each side) | Approximately 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Service line distance from net | 6.40 m (21 ft) |
| Net height at centre | 0.914 m (3 ft) |
| Net height at posts | 1.07 m (3 ft 6 in) |
These are the standard playing-court dimensions under the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Rules of Tennis. The surrounding run-off space required for safe play is additional to the marked court and depends on venue and competition requirements.
How Tennis Scoring Works
Points within a game
In a standard advantage game, the first point won is called 15, the second 30 and the third 40. Zero is called love. The server's score is announced first, so “30–15” means the server has won two points and the receiver one.
A player wins the game by winning at least four points and leading by two. If both reach 40, the score is deuce. The next point gives one player advantage; winning the following point wins the game, but losing it returns the score to deuce.
Games within a set
A player normally wins a set by winning six games with a lead of at least two games, for example 6–4. At 5–5, a player can win 7–5. Many competitions use a tie-break at 6–6, making the set score 7–6, although other authorised set formats exist.
Tie-break scoring
In a standard tie-break, points are counted numerically (0, 1, 2, 3 and so on). The first player to reach at least seven points with a two-point lead wins. The first player serves one point, then players alternate serving two points each. Players change ends after every six points in a standard tie-break.
Some matches use a 10-point match tie-break instead of a final set. Grand Slam and other event-specific formats can differ, so check the competition regulations.
Sets within a match
Matches are commonly played as best of three sets, with the first player or pair to win two sets winning the match. Some men's major championship matches use best of five sets. Recreational and junior formats may be shorter.
Serving Rules in Tennis
Each point begins with a serve. The server stands behind the baseline, between the centre mark and the appropriate sideline, and strikes the ball into the diagonally opposite service box. The first point of a standard game is served from the deuce (right) side, followed by the advantage (left) side, alternating for subsequent points.
First and second serves
The server normally gets two attempts to make a valid serve. If the first serve is a fault, they may attempt a second serve. Two consecutive faults cause a double fault, and the receiver wins the point.
What counts as a service fault?
Common examples include missing the correct service box, touching the baseline or court with a foot before striking the serve in a way that breaches the foot-fault rule, and failing to hit the ball after attempting to strike it. A serve that clips the net but still lands correctly in the service box is a let under standard tennis rules and is replayed.
When do players change ends?
Players change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent odd game in each set, and at the end of a set unless the total number of games in that set is even. In a standard tie-break, players change ends after every six points.
Common Tennis Rules and Terms
In or out
A ball touching any part of the correct boundary line is in. A ball landing entirely outside the applicable court lines is out. The singles sidelines apply to singles rallies; doubles sidelines apply to doubles rallies.
Rallies and the bounce
Players usually return the ball after one bounce or strike it before it bounces (a volley). A player loses the point if the ball bounces twice on their side before a valid return, subject to the full rules. A player must not deliberately carry or double-hit the ball.
Net touches and interference
A player generally loses the point if they or anything they wear or carry touch the net while the ball is in play. Hindrance rules also cover interference that prevents an opponent playing the point normally.
Who serves next?
Players alternate serving complete games. In doubles, each team also maintains its chosen service order within the set. Receiving order is arranged at the start of the set and maintained as required by the rules.
Singles vs Doubles Tennis
| Feature | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1 per side | 2 per side |
| Court width during rallies | 8.23 m | 10.97 m |
| Serving | Players alternate games | Teams and partners rotate in a set service order |
| Scoring | Standard scoring or event variation | Standard scoring or event variation, including no-ad formats |
Tennis Equipment and Court Surfaces
Players use a tennis racquet, approved tennis balls and appropriate footwear. Tennis can be played on hard courts, clay, grass and other approved surfaces. Ball types and speeds may vary by playing conditions, age group and competition. Younger players often use modified balls, shorter racquets and smaller courts.
Tips for Learning Tennis
- Learn to call the server's score first.
- Practise serving diagonally into the correct service box.
- Watch the singles and doubles sidelines so you know which balls are in.
- Start with controlled rallies rather than hitting every shot at full power.
- Learn deuce and advantage scoring before playing a full set.
- Check the competition's tie-break and final-set format before the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is zero called love in tennis?
“Love” is the traditional tennis term for zero. Its precise historical origin is debated, so popular explanations should not be treated as certain.
How many points do you need to win a tennis game?
At least four, with a two-point lead under standard advantage scoring. Some events use no-ad scoring, which changes how a game ends at deuce.
What does deuce mean?
Deuce means both players have reached 40–40. In an advantage game, one player must then win two consecutive points to take the game.
How wide is a singles tennis court?
A standard singles court is 8.23 metres wide. A doubles court is 10.97 metres wide.
Is a ball that touches the line in?
Yes. If the ball touches the relevant boundary line, it counts as in.
What happens after a double fault?
The receiver wins the point.
Does every set finish with a tie-break?
No. Tie-break rules depend on the match format and competition. Many sets use a tie-break at 6–6, but alternatives exist.
How many sets are played in tennis?
Many matches are best of three sets, while some major men's singles matches are best of five. Shortened formats are also common in social and junior tennis.
Official Rules and Further Reading
For the full wording of the rules and any later changes, see the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules and regulations and Tennis Australia.
Disclaimer
This independent educational guide summarises standard tennis rules and measurements. Tournament, junior, wheelchair, doubles and modified formats may have additional or different requirements. For official decisions, venue construction and competition play, consult the latest ITF Rules of Tennis and the relevant competition regulations. Fosmore is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ITF or Tennis Australia.