Tennis is a racket sport that can be played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Players use a stringed racket to hit a lightweight, hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent’s side of the court. The objective is to score points by landing the ball in the designated areas of the opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to return the ball.
The game is typically played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts, each affecting the ball’s speed and bounce. Tennis matches are structured in sets and games, with players aiming to win a certain number of sets to secure victory. Points are scored in a sequence of love, 15, 30, 40, and game, with the first player to win six games generally winning a set, provided they lead by at least two games.
Tennis is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is played professionally worldwide, featuring major tournaments such as the Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. It is recognized for fostering physical fitness, agility, and strategic thinking.