Discovering tennis: an introduction to the essential rules

published
6/12/2023 15:58
modified on
7/12/2023 11:34

Tennis is a racket sport that is played in singles (1 against 1) or in doubles (2 against 2), and it is often the French who don't make an impression! A match takes place on the tennis court, which is more commonly called a court.


The rules

To perform during a match, nothing could be simpler: put the ball in the opponent's court. On the first move (the serve), the player must touch
The rectangle closest to the net in the opposing camp, crossed. The other player will then have to shoot in the other part of the field and so on
suite.


If a player hits the net or off the field, the ball is considered a foul. Ask Benoît Paire, he is the specialist.

A game

Conversely, if the ball makes two rebounds in the opposing court or touches the other side of the field without the opponent being able to recover it, it is a winning move.


If I score one point, I lead 15/0, if I score two I'll lead 30/0, then 40/0. To validate a game, I must therefore score 4 points, unless my opponent and I are equal at 40/40.

In this case, the player who scores at the advantage: 40/A. If he scores a point, I validate the advantage and close the game. On the contrary, if the other player scores the score falls back to 40/40. This continues until a player validates their advantage. In this case, the spectator makes the most of his seat because the game is longer, and time is money.

A set

After winning six games, I won a set or a round. If the two players have won five games each, seven games must therefore be won.


So it can end with a score of 7-5 or 7-6. In the last case mentioned, the players face each other in a “tie-break”. This round is decisive, a player will need to score seven points to win the set. Like table tennis, you'll have to win this game by two points if the two players are 6-6. If a player wins a set 6 to 0, it's called a bubble.

Game, set and match!

To win the match, you have to win two sets. In Grand Slams, the rule is different because you have to win three. That counts for the Australian Open, Rolland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Types of blows


In tennis, two shots are an integral part of the discipline: the forehand and the backhand. A forehand is when you hit the ball from the side of your strong hand, if you have one. Conversely, a setback is a shot where the ball is going to be hit from the side of your weakest. It's better to use two hands in this case, spectators will appreciate it.

Course of a tournament

Players can participate in qualifications prior to each tournament. This takes place mostly in two weeks. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds and the round of 16 take place in the first, while the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals take place in the second.


Surface of a court

Matches may take place on different surfaces depending on the tournament. Rolland Garros is known for its clay courts while Wimbledon is played on grass. The Australian Open and the US Open opted for a hard surface.

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