How to Play Tennis Match : Tracing the Roots
A tennis match begins with a coin toss. The player winning the toss chooses to serve. He receives or picks the side from which a fresh match is expected to start.
The serving player stands behind the baseline, within the limits of the middle mark and also the sidelines. A successful serve is accomplished when the server tosses the ball up. He hits it with the racket even before it bounces. The ball should cross the net. It must land within the serving range. It is marked on the diagonally opposite side of the court and only then considered to be a legal serve.
Each player is given two serves for every point. When the player hits the net, or if the ball’s 1st bounce takes place outside the serving boundary, it is called a service fault. This means the server gets a second serve for initiating a point. If the server’s foot comes in touch with the baseline or if it goes out of bounds then a foot fault is said to occur. This leads to the server getting a second serve.
When a player commits any fault on his second serve then it is called as a double fault. This means the receiving player should get a point. If the serve of a player hits the net and then it lands inside the serving area, then it is said that the server will have two serves to initiate the point. This entire scenario is known as let. The server has to manage two things. For each point, he must alternate between the vertical halves of the tennis court.
If the server lands a legal serve then the receiver is not allowed to give back the ball. It is known as ace. The server gets the point in this case.
How points are scored in tennis?
When server initiates any point then the receiver must return it successfully. When the serve is returned, 2 players engage in a rally. In rally, they exchange shots back-and-forth over the net. Also, shots are exchanged within the sidelines and also the baseline.
When a player wants to win a point, he must hit a shot. This should happen either before the ball bounces or after the 1st bounce. when the ball bounces twice, then the player with the last shot wins the point. A player should wait for the ball to pass the net and return to his side. Also, he cannot step over to hit again.
You will see that the server becomes the receiver and vice versa once a game is completed.
In a doubles match, what happens is that the receiving team chooses the first receiver and then the two players substitute to receive every succeeding shot.
Rules and Regulations of Tennis: A Structured Game
One of the most significant milestones was the formation of the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in 1868. This came to be known as the Wimbledon Championships. The club’s creation marked a spiralling point. Over time, the rules were modified to create a stable and fair game. The introduction of the tiebreaker system, specific scoring system, and the introduction of singles and doubles matches added sophistication to tennis.
History of Tennis: Historical Icons of the Court
Among the early greats, René Lacoste was known as “The Crocodile”. He won multiple Grand Slam titles in early era of the 1920s. The emergence of Björn Borg marked a new era in 1970s.
The 1980s and 1990s saw players like Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi.
Recently, we have seen the emergence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in the early 2000s. Federer’s elegance, Nadal’s relentless willpower, and Djokovic’s supreme plasticity have given us memorable matches to remember for ages.
Top Tournaments in the World of Tennis: Showcases of Skill and Passion
The Grand Slam tournaments are made up of the Australian Open, the French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Each of the Grand Slam event offers a unique challenge. The differences are found in the surfaces—hard courts, clay, and grass. Wimbledon is a peak of grace and status. The French Open tests players’ strength and flexibility. The Australian Open has blue hard courts that give birth to memorable battles. The US Open has fast-paced hard courts. It’s electric atmosphere completes the circuit. Beyond the Grand Slam events, there are tournaments like ATP Finals and WTA Finals.
In Conclusion
The history of tennis is a proof to the lasting charm of a sport that has excelled time, boundaries, and philosophies. Tennis has captured the hearts of players and millions of fans alike. As it continues to evolve, we experience new records being made and legends being created with every passing year. Who would have thought a 21 year old Alcaraz would defeat one of the greatest, Novak Djokovik in the recently concluded Wimbledons.
FAQs
Que 1. What is the 10 rule in tennis?
Ans – Tie Break Tens is a special exhibition format in tennis in which only tie-break matches are played.
Que 2. Why is it 40 in tennis?
Ans – You will notice that the points were scored using a clock face – 0, 15, 30, 45. Then they changed 45 to 40.
Que 3. What is a 3 rating in tennis?
Ans –Level 3.0. Indicates a player is fairly consistent in hitting medium-paced shots
Que 4. Where was invented tennis?
Ans –France – The original form was developed here. The modern form originated in Birmingham, England.