Official Tennis Rules

Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Tennis is a fast-paced and exciting sport that involves two or four players using rackets to hit a rubber ball over a net on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by ensuring the ball lands in the opponent’s side of the court, while they try to return it. Played professionally at major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open, tennis combines agility, strategy, and precision. Whether played casually with friends or in competitive settings, tennis is a great way to stay active and enjoy outdoor fun.

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Introduction

Before delving into the intricacies of gameplay, let’s understand the court layout. A tennis court is divided into two equal halves by a net. Each half is further divided by a center service line and two side lines. The area behind the baseline is known as the baseline, and the area between the baseline and the service line is called the singles alley. In doubles, the court is wider, with two additional service boxes and alleys on either side.

Scoring

A tennis match is divided into sets, and each set is composed of games. A player wins a point by successfully hitting the ball into the opponent’s court and preventing them from returning it.

• Love: Zero points.
• 15: One point.
• 30: Two points.
• 40: Three points.
• Advantage: If a player reaches 40-40 (deuce), the next point is called advantage for the player who wins it. If that player wins the following point, they win the game. If the original server wins the point, the score returns to deuce.

To win a game, a player must win four points with a difference of at least two points. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the winner of the set.

Serving

The serve is initiated behind the baseline, with the ball diagonally served into the opponent’s service box. A fault occurs if the serve lands out of bounds or fails to clear the net. A double fault results in a point for the receiver.

Let and No-Let

A let occurs when a serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box. It is replayed. A no-let is a fault if a serve touches the net and lands out of bounds.

Foot Faults

A foot fault occurs when a server steps on or over the baseline before contacting the ball. Two consecutive foot faults result in a lost serve.

The Net

Players can hit the ball on their side of the net. However, touching the net with any part of the body, racket, or clothing is a fault.

Overruling Calls

Line judges or chair umpires are responsible for determining whether a ball is in or out. Players can challenge a call using a limited number of challenges per set.

Other Rules and Considerations

• The ball must be hit with a racquet, not with the hand or any other body part.
• The ball can only be hit once per stroke.
• A ball that touches the net and lands in the opponent’s court is good.
• Obstruction occurs when a player interferes with an opponent’s shot.

These are just some of the basic rules of tennis. The game has many nuances and variations, and the specific rules can differ slightly depending on the governing body and the level of play.