A Comprehensive Guide to Tennis Rules in English: Scoring, Serving, and More

Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport. Understanding its rules in English is essential for players, fans, and anyone involved in the game. This guide provides a detailed overview of the fundamental regulations that govern a tennis match.

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 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. The Scoring System Tennis has a unique scoring method. Points progress as follows: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, and Game. If both players reach 40, it's called Deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game. Winning six games typically wins a Set, but a player must lead by at least two games (e.g., 6-4). A Match is usually won by securing two out of three sets (or three out of five in major tournaments for men).

3. Serving Rules The serve initiates each point. The server must stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline. The ball must be struck into the diagonally opposite service box without touching the net. A player gets two attempts for a valid serve. A fault occurs if the serve misses the box. Two consecutive faults result in a double fault, awarding the point to the opponent. A serve that touches the net but lands in the correct service box is called a let and is replayed.

4. Basic Gameplay Rules During a rally, players must return the ball before it bounces twice on their side. The ball must land within the boundaries of the court (including the lines). Hitting the ball into the net or outside the court results in losing the point. Players alternate serves each game, and they switch ends of the court after every odd-numbered game.

5. Match Formats and Officials Common match formats include best-of-three or best-of-five sets. Professional matches have a chair umpire who announces scores and makes final rulings, line judges who call whether balls are in or out, and a net judge. Many tournaments now also use electronic review systems like Hawk-Eye for challenging close line calls.

Mastering these fundamental tennis rules enhances both your playing and viewing experience. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or refining your knowledge, this guide serves as a solid foundation for understanding the exciting world of tennis.