Tennis Court Size and Specifications

Whether you're stepping onto the tennis court for the first time, coaching the next generation of tennis players, or are simply a devoted fan of the game, understanding the layout of the court can expand your tennis knowledge.

Knowing the tennis court dimensions is especially important for players and coaches. For players, knowing the precise measurements helps in the strategic development of certain shots and positioning, as well as aiding in accuracy, shot selection, and gameplay efficiency. 

As for coaches, knowledge of court dimensions helps with designing effective training drills and strategies. It allows coaches to simulate match conditions more accurately and teach players how to use the court space to their advantage.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tennis court size, including dimensions, court surface types, markings and other important specifications to help you better understand the intricacies of tennis.

The Basics of Tennis Court Dimensions

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the official governing body of tennis, defines the standard size of a tennis court to ensure fair play and consistency across all levels of competition. 

Overall Court Dimensions

Singles tennis courts are 23.77m long and 8.23m wide. The service line is 6.4m from the net and the total playing area of a tennis court is 195.65m². These dimensions create the rectangular playing area of the court that is further divided into separate sections with each having a specific purpose.

Singles vs. Doubles Court Size

The size of the tennis court is the same length for singles and doubles, with markings that differentiate the spaces used for singles games and doubles games. 

However, with doubles, the width increases by almost 3m, providing a broader playing area for the additional players. This expansion features the doubles alleys, which are the extra dimensions along either side of the singles court.

Doubles court dimensions are as follows: 23.77m long and 10.97m wide, with the service line being 6.4m from the net. The total playing area is 260.87m².

Specific Areas of the Tennis Court

A tennis court is divided into distinct areas with specific dimensions and functions that contribute to the structure of the game. These areas include the baseline, sidelines, service line, centre service line, service boxes, and net.

The Baseline

The baseline runs parallel to the net, marking the back end of the court. Serving as the starting and ending point for each rally, players are positioned behind the baseline before serving and returning shots. The baseline is also the starting point for serves.

The Service Boxes

Located on either side of the net and directly in front of the baseline are rectangular areas known as the service boxes. Service boxes are important for serving as the ball must land diagonally within the designated service box on the opponent's side of the court for a legal serve. 

The service box should be 6.4m from the net, 8.23m between the singles sideline, and 3.94 meters from the centre service line that bisects the court. The lines for the service box should be 5cm wide.

The Net

The net spans the width of the court, dividing it into two halves. The net is suspended by poles placed 0.914 meters outside the singles or doubles sidelines. 

The centre of the net stands at a height of 0.914 meters, while the net gradually slopes upwards at the sides, reaching a height of 1.07 meters at the posts. The net’s height and positioning are a fundamental part of the game that requires players to clear it with each shot while employing tactics such as volleys and drop shots.

Court Surface Types and Their Impact

While the official dimensions set out by the ITF remain consistent, the surface of a tennis court can vary. These different surfaces, such as grass, clay, and hard courts impact the game's pace, bounce, and overall playing style.

Grass Courts

The traditional surface of Wimbledon, grass courts are known for low bounce and fast-paced rallies due to its slippery surface. This surface is the fastest of all the tennis court surfaces.

Also, due to the soil being softer than the materials used on other types of courts, the ball has a lower bounce on grass courts. Grass courts may also produce an unpredictable bounce to the ball due to the soft and slightly uneven surface of the grass.

Grass courts require the most maintenance by a long shot. The grass must frequently be watered, fertilised and mowed to ensure it is kept short, healthy and free of weeds. 

Clay Courts

Clay courts can be seen at the French Open and are notable for a slower pace of play with a higher bounce. These types of courts are considered to be the slowest surfaces. 

The clay’s surface is renowned for absorbing some of the ball's impact, killing ball speed and reducing the natural skid of the ball. The clay surface usually results in longer rallies and an emphasis on baseline play. 

Clay courts require less maintenance than grass but clay has the tendency to shift frequently, which requires raking or brushing it back into place. New clay is usually required to be added each year. Clay courts also follow the standard dimensions.

Hard Courts

The most common surface type today, hard courts offer a medium pace of play and a consistent bounce. A hard court is typically made of asphalt or concrete, and covered with acrylic resins to seal the surface and mark the playing lines. Standard dimensions are universally applied to hard courts as well.

Hard courts are a happy medium between grass and clay courts when it comes to ball speed. The ball won't zoom across the court like on grass, but it will travel faster than on a clay court where the surface absorbs some of the impact. 

While the hard surface results in a higher bounce compared to grass, the predictability of hard courts is a major advantage. The ball will bounce higher due to the flat and uniform surface, but it is very predictable as the surface is easy to maintain.

Hard courts are relatively low maintenance although they may require occasional resurfacing and can be susceptible to cracking. Aside from keeping them swept and clean, they require very little upkeep.

Markings and Their Meanings

The lines and markings on a tennis court are used to separate the different regions of the playing area. These lines are the baseline, sidelines, service lines, and centre service lines.

Service Lines

Service lines are parallel to the net and 6.4m from it. They delineate and mark the back boundaries of the service boxes. The centre service line runs perpendicular to the net and splits these boxes into left and right sides. 

The area between the service line and baseline ("no man's land") is typically avoided during rallies as it can catch a player off guard if the opponent uses a deep shot. 

Service lines cannot be faulted upon when serving, meaning the ball must land within these designated areas.

Baselines and Sidelines

The baselines and sidelines mark the outer limits of the court. The baseline marks the back boundary of the court and the sidelines define the side boundaries. These lines determine whether a ball is in or out – a ball bouncing outside of these lines is deemed out and results in a point for the opposing player.

International Variations in Tennis Court Dimensions

While the ITF establishes the official court dimensions and the dimensions of standard tennis courts are universally consistent, variations might exist in non-standard courts. 

For example, some recreational facilities, international courts, or older courts might use slightly different measurements. Additionally, non-standard courts, such as those used for mini-tennis, will naturally have smaller dimensions than the official ITF specifications.

Designing or Building a Tennis Court

If you have an undying love for the game of tennis, constructing your own court may be a dream of yours. If so, be sure to adhere to the ITF’s official dimensions. This way, you’ll have a regulation-sized tennis court for competitive and recreational play. 

You should consider factors like location, surface type, and weather among others. Each surface type has varying upfront costs, performance, and maintenance requirements that should be taken into consideration. 

It's highly recommended to factor these into your decision regarding which type of tennis court to build. Consulting with qualified builders who understand tennis court specifications and can incorporate them into your design is also highly recommended.

Build Your Own Tennis Court and Start Playing!

Knowing the width and length of a tennis court and understanding the dimensions, lines, and markings are important for players, coaches, and spectators alike. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, knowing the measurements and specifications of a tennis court is fundamental for anyone involved in the sport.

Dream Courts provides sports courts, accessories, and consultations for those looking to build a court. With Dream Courts, you can design and build the tennis court of your dreams.

If you're inspired to build your own court, remember the importance of adhering to these specifications to create a space that meets official standards. Choose Dream Courts, the official partner of the NBL, to bring your vision to life. 

‍