Understanding Tennis Court Dimensions According to ITF Guidelines
February 21, 2024
Understanding the dimensions of a tennis court is an important first step for anyone who is serious about building a tennis court to international standards. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has set clear guidelines regarding the size and dimensions of tennis courts. These standards must be adhered to to ensure uniformity and fairness in gaming throughout the world.
The tennis court has a total length of 23.77 meters & a width of 8.23 meters for singles play. But the width of the court for doubles play is slightly larger, namely 10.97 meters. The area between the singles and doubles side lines is used exclusively for doubles play. The center line that divides the court into two equal parts runs parallel to the side lines and is located right in the middle of the court, separating the service area in two.
The service area is the location where the ball must land in a serve. The length is 6.40 meters from the net to the service line. The width is the same as the applicable court width, both for singles and doubles play. The tennis net, which separates the two sides of the court, has a height of 0.914 meters in the center and 1.07 meters at the net posts.
In addition to the dimensions of the pitch, the ITF also sets specifications for areas outside the pitch called 'free areas' or 'runbacks'. The free area must be at least 6.40 meters from the baseline and 3.05 meters from the side line in singles play. This additional space is important to give players sufficient movement area when they want to return a long ball.
Complying with ITF guidelines not only ensures that tennis courts meet standards for official competition but also helps players develop and test their skills in fair and consistent conditions. For those wishing to build a grass tennis court or acrylic tennis court, following these specifications is important to guarantee that the constructed court can be used for official competitions and training.
In designing or building a tennis court, it is important to take into account other factors such as the orientation of the court to avoid interference from direct sunlight and the selection of court surface materials that comply with ITF standards.
If you are planning to build a tennis court, discuss your needs with Datra. We are ready to make your dream come true of having a quality tennis court with ITF standards. Contact Datra now.