Introduction

A tennis court is a precisely marked playing area used for singles and doubles matches. Whether you’re playing at a professional level, recreationally, or setting up a backyard tennis court, understanding the official tennis court dimensions and layout is crucial. This guide covers standard tennis court size, markings, net height, and tips for setting up a high-quality playing surface.

Tennis Court Dimensions and Layout

Standard Tennis Court Dimensions

The size of a regulation tennis court remains the same across all levels, including ITF (International Tennis Federation), ATP, and WTA tournaments.

• Total Length: 23.77 meters (78 feet)
• Width for Singles Matches: 8.23 meters (27 feet)
• Width for Doubles Matches: 10.97 meters (36 feet)
• Service Box Length: 6.4 meters (21 feet)
• Net Height at the Center: 0.914 meters (3 feet)
• Net Height at the Posts: 1.07 meters (3 feet 6 inches)

Half-Court Tennis Dimensions (for Practice)

A half-court tennis layout is often used for practice and smaller playing areas:

• Length: 11.89 meters (39 feet)
• Width: 4.11 meters (13.5 feet) for singles, 5.49 meters (18 feet) for doubles

Key Markings on a Tennis Court

1. Baseline

The baseline is the back boundary where players serve and hit from.

2. Singles and Doubles Sidelines

The singles sidelines are narrower than doubles sidelines, defining the legal play area.

3. Service Boxes

The two service boxes are divided by the center service line, where players must serve into.

4. Center Mark

A small mark at the midpoint of the baseline helps players position themselves for serving.

5. Net and Net Posts

• The tennis net height is 3 feet (0.914 meters) at the center and 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 meters) at the posts.
• The net should stretch across the entire court width, supported by sturdy posts.

Types of Tennis Court Surfaces

1. Hard Court (Concrete or Acrylic)

• Used in tournaments like the US Open and Australian Open.
• Offers medium to fast-paced play with a consistent bounce.

2. Clay Court

• Used in the French Open (Roland Garros).
• Slower surface with high bounce, favoring baseline rallies.

3. Grass Court

• Used in Wimbledon.
• Faster surface, rewarding serve-and-volley play.

4. Artificial Turf or Synthetic Surfaces

• Used for recreational and indoor courts.
• Low maintenance and weather-resistant.

Setting Up a Tennis Court

1. Measure and Mark the Court

Use measuring tape and chalk or paint to outline the correct tennis court dimensions.

2. Install the Net System

Ensure the tennis net height is 3 feet at the center and securely fastened.

3. Choose the Right Surface

Select a playing surface that suits the climate and level of play.

4. Maintain the Court Regularly

• Hard Courts: Clean debris and repaint lines periodically.
• Clay Courts: Water and roll the surface for consistency.
• Grass Courts: Mow regularly and ensure even growth.

FAQs About Tennis Courts

1. What is the difference between singles and doubles court dimensions?

The singles court width is 27 feet, while the doubles court width extends to 36 feet.

2. Can I build a tennis court at home?

Yes! You can set up a backyard tennis court using a portable net and a hard or artificial turf surface.

3. What is the best surface for a tennis court?

Hard courts are most common, but clay courts and grass courts provide different playing experiences.

Conclusion

Understanding tennis court dimensions, net height, and key markings is essential for players, coaches, and organizers. Whether setting up a professional tennis court, recreational facility, or backyard setup, following the correct specifications ensures an optimal playing experience.