Tennis Court Dimensions: Singles & Doubles
Understanding the tennis court dimensions can be a great help for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Singles Tennis Court Dimensions
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) specifies the standard dimensions for a tennis court. A regulation tennis court is 23.77 meters (78 feet) long and 8.23 meters (27 feet) wide for singles matches.
Doubles Tennis Court Dimensions
For doubles matches, the court width extends to 10.97 meters (36 feet). And the length of the tennis court remains the same as for singles matches, which is 23.77 meters or 78 feet.
The court is divided into two equal halves by a net.
Additional Space
Besides the playing area, additional space around the court is necessary for players to reach overrun balls. A minimum of 3.66 meters (12 feet) of space is recommended behind each baseline and 1.83 meters (6 feet) for the sides.
Different Tennis Court Areas
A tennis court is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own role in the game. Here’s an overview of these areas:
Baselines
These are the lines at the very end of the court on each side. The baselines mark the boundary for the length of the court.
Singles Sidelines
These lines run parallel to the length of the court and define the width of the area for singles play.
Doubles Sidelines
These lines are used for doubles matches and are located farther out than the singles sidelines, making the court wider (doubles alleys).
Service Lines
These lines run parallel to the net and are located halfway between the net and the baseline. The service lines create four service boxes (two on each side of the net). During a serve, the ball must land within the diagonally opposite service box.
Service Boxes
Formed by the singles sidelines, service lines, and the center service line, these are the areas where the ball must land for a legal serve. Each side of the court has a left and a right service box.
No-Man’s Land (or The Backcourt)
This is the area between the service line and the baseline. Often considered a strategic weak spot for players to be positioned during points, as it’s difficult to make successful shots from this area.
The Net
The net divides the court in half and is attached to two net posts. The height of the net is lower in the center (0.914 meters or 3 feet) and slightly higher at the net posts (1.07 meters or 3.5 feet).
Doubles Alleys
These are the areas between the singles and doubles sidelines and are only in play during doubles matches. They extend the width of the playing area.
Center Mark
At the end of each baseline, there is a small mark that aligns with the center of the net. This mark helps players position themselves correctly for serving.
