The tennis it is one of the most popular sports that we will all have ever practiced. If not, then surely at least we will have stepped on a field or seen a game. It is likely that then we have an image of how is a tennis court and the approximate dimensions, but we do not really know what are the standard measures set by the regulations. The official dimensions of a tennis court determine how the rest of the courts must be in order to play a game under the rules of this sport.
Therefore, at OneHowTo.com we let you know the size of a tennis court taking into account regulatory measures.
The tennis court is divided into two completely symmetrical equal parts divided by the net. Each of these parts contains a series of measures and spaces delimited by lines.
- Net: The net is suspended by a rope or a metallic cable attached to the ends located on each side of the track and must be 1.07 meters high.
- Two service squares. Each side of the court contains two service spaces at each end, where players are positioned to perform services.
- Bottom. It is the rectangular-shaped space located at the back of the court, on the other side of the line where the service is performed.
- Right and left service drawer. Two squares located after the bottom that intersect with the net.
- Lateral line. It is the one that forms the two sides of the court forming the space that is only used in double matches.
- Bottom line. It is the line located at the two ends of the court where the players serve.
- Central mark. A small line that divides the bottom line into two equal parts.
- Service lines. They are located parallel to the baseline. There is one on each side of the court and they are located between the net and the baseline. This line runs down the center of the court parallel to the side lines and between the two service lines.
Track length: 23.77 meters. This is the size of a tennis court taking into account the length of the court.
Width for individual matches: 8.23 meters. The two lanes located on each side of the court do not count in individual matches, so in the event that the ball bounces in these spaces it will be considered off-court.
Width for double matches: 10.97. In individual matches, there are two lateral lines measuring 1.37 meters. In this case, it is 8.23 meters wide plus 1.37 meters on each side.
Service drawers. Each drawer is 6.4 m long and 4.10 m wide.
Bottom. The bottom on each side of the track is 5.5 m long and 8.2 m wide.
Side lines. Each side line on each side of the court divided by the net measures 11.8 meters long and 1.37 meters wide.
Now that you know the size of a tennis court, it is also interesting to know the types of surfaces available:
- Grass. It is used less and less because it involves a higher cost in its maintenance. In fact, today it is difficult to see grass courts outside of Great Britain at a professional level, where tournaments such as Wimbledon or the Queen’s tournament are played. The player Feliciano López prefers to play on this type of surface.
- Red, blue and green clay or clay. This track also requires a high cost of maintenance and gets dirty easily. The best known tournament that takes place on a clay court is Roland Garros. Players like Nadal feel more comfortable on this court.
- Cement. It is the one that usually exists in most venues where any of us can play tennis. This material does not get dirty, requires little maintenance and does not wear out quickly. Some well-known tournaments such as the United States Open or the Australian Open are held on this type of surface.
- Indoor carpet or court. Materials, textures and thicknesses can vary on this type of track.
You can also consult this article where we explain what you need to play tennis.
