Tennis is a racket sport played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). The game is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Players use rackets to strike a felt-covered rubber ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. The objective is to score points by landing the ball in the opponent’s side of the court in a way that they cannot return it.
Tennis can be played on various surfaces including grass, clay, and hard courts, each affecting the ball’s behavior and the style of play. The sport is governed by specific rules, including scoring systems that incorporate points, games, sets, and matches. Traditional scoring includes terms such as “love” for zero, “15,” “30,” “40,” and “game” to denote scoring.
Tennis is recognized for its competitive nature and is played both recreationally and professionally around the world. Major tournaments include the four Grand Slams: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The sport emphasizes agility, coordination, and strategic thinking, making it popular globally for players of all ages.