Tennis

Tennis is a racket sport played either individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). It is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. The objective of the game is to hit a ball over the net into the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that the opponent cannot return it successfully. Players use a stringed racket to strike a felt-covered rubber ball, and points are scored when the opposing player fails to make a valid return. Tennis matches are typically played in sets, and a player must win a specified number of sets to win the match. The game is governed by the rules set out by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Tennis is known for its sportsmanship and competitive spirit and has a global following, with prestigious tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open being among the most celebrated events in the sport. It is played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts, each affecting the game’s pace and style of play.