Tennis court

A tennis court is where a game of tennis is played. It is a firm rectangular surface with a low net standing across the center.

Types of tennis courts

There are four main types of courts depending on the materials used for the court surface: clay courts, hard courts, grass courts and indoor courts. Each type creates different advantages to certain playing styles.

Related Topics:
Clay - Grass

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Clay courts

Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone or brick, and are either red or green. The red clay is slower than the green, or Har-Thru(c) "American" clay. Clay courts are considered "slow", because the balls bounce relatively high and more slowly, making it more difficult for a player to hit an unreturnable shot. Points are usually longer as there are less winners. Therefore, clay courts heavily favor baseliners who are consistent and are generally more defensive. The French Open uses clay courts.

Related Topics:
Point - Baseliner - French Open

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Hard courts

Hard courts, or cement courts, are considered "medium to fast" surfaces, where fast, low bounces keep rallies short, and powerful, hard-serving players have a slight advantage. Hard courts can vary in speed, but they are faster than clay courts and slower than grass courts. These courts are considered the most equal for all playing styles. The US Open is played on hard courts, while the Australian Open is played on Rebound Ace, a synthetic hardcourt.

Related Topics:
US Open - Australian Open - Rebound Ace

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Grass courts

Grass courts are the fastest tennis courts. They consist of grass grown on very hard-packed soil, similar to golf greens, which adds an additional variable: bounces depend on how healthy the grass is, how recently it has been mowed, and the wear and tear of recent play. High maintenance costs make grass courts rare; they must be watered and mowed often. Points are usually very short and the serve play a more important role. Grass courts tend to favor serve-and-volley tennis players, such as John McEnroe or Martina Navratilova. The most famous grass tennis court in the world is Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Related Topics:
Point - Serve - Serve-and-volley - John McEnroe - Martina Navratilova - Wimbledon

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Indoor courts

Indoor courts can be made of wood, cement, or 'carpet', also known as Astroturf.

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Others

Other types of courts exist as well, and there is no consistent definition of what qualifies as a "hardcourt". Non-traditional surfaces are rarely used in competitive tennis.

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