Tennis is a racquet sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). The game is played on a rectangular court partitioned by a net. The objective is to score points by hitting the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot return it within the boundaries of the court.
Key features of tennis include:
- Court: Tennis can be played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts. The court is partitioned into equivalent parts by a net.
- Scoring: The game is scored using a system of points, with each point corresponding to a specific term: “15,” “30,” “40,” and then “game.” Players or teams need to win at least four points and have a two-point advantage to win a game. A match is typically best-of-three sets (for women) or best-of-five sets (for men), with each set won by the first player or team to reach six games with a two-game advantage.
- Serve: The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The receiver then tries to return the serve, and the point continues until one player fails to return the ball within the boundaries.
- Rallies: Players engage in rallies, hitting the ball back and forth, using forehand and backhand strokes. The objective is to outmaneuver the opponent and force errors.
- Deuce and Advantage: If both players or teams reach a score of 40-40 (deuce), one must win two consecutive points to secure the game. The term “advantage” is used when a player or team wins one point after deuce.
- Grand Slam Tournaments: Tennis has four major annual tournaments known as Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. These competitions draw in the best players from around the world.
Tennis is a popular sport played at various levels, from casual recreational play to professional competitions. It requires a blend of expertise, system, and actual wellness. Professional tennis has both men’s and women’s tours, with players competing for rankings, prize money, and prestigious titles.