Tennis courts

Overview

A tennis court is a rectangle 23.77 m long, 8.23 m wide for singles and 10.97 m for doubles, split down the middle by a net. Public outdoor courts are often porous concrete, acrylic or sand-filled artificial grass, surfaces that stand up to the weather and need little upkeep. A fence all the way round keeps the balls in.

In all honesty, many council courts work on a booking system, through an app, a club or the town hall, sometimes for a fee. Oukonjou only lists as free-access the courts open to everyone without booking, and shows that status where the information is available. Before you set off, a glance at the court's noticeboard or the council's website saves a wasted trip.

A good free-access court has a taut net in decent condition, clear lines, a surface free of cracks and moss, and a gate that shuts to keep the balls inside. On the Oukonjou map you will find these courts in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Andorra and Monaco. Follow a town to receive an email alert when a new court is listed there.

Where to find tennis courts

29 tennis courts listed in 20 towns.

By country

• Tennis courts in France 11
• Tennis courts in Switzerland 10
• Tennis courts in Belgium 3
• Tennis courts in Andorra 3
• Tennis courts in Luxembourg 2

Best-equipped towns

• Lyon 2
• Nice 2
• Dijon 2
• Charleroi 2
• Lausanne 2
• Zurich 2
• Bern 2
• Basel 2
• Escaldes-Engordany 2
• Nantes 1
• Strasbourg 1
• Rennes 1
• Grenoble 1
• Ajaccio 1
• Antwerp 1
• Geneva 1
• Fribourg 1
• Esch-sur-Alzette 1
• Differdange 1
• Encamp 1

Who it's for

Rules of the game

The official rules are set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). On a free-access court you umpire yourselves, which takes a little good faith.

• The court is 23.77 m long, 8.23 m wide for singles and 10.97 m for doubles. The net is 0.914 m high at the centre.
• Points in a game go 15, 30, 40, then game.
• At 40-all it is deuce: you must win two points in a row to take the game.
• The server serves diagonally into the opposite service box, alternating right and left after each point, and has two attempts.
• The ball may bounce only once before it is returned. A ball touching the line is in.
• The same player serves for a whole game, then the serve passes to the opponent.
• With no umpire, each player calls the lines on their own side. If in doubt, the ball is good for your opponent.
• Agree on the format before you start: one set, best of three, or a time limit if others are waiting.

Safety and gear

• Wear tennis shoes or flat-soled trainers suited to the surface. Running shoes give your feet less support when you move sideways.
• Warm up your shoulders, wrists and ankles before serving hard.
• Do not run onto a neighbouring court during a rally to chase a ball: wait and ask for it.
• Pick up stray balls on your court so you do not step on them.
• In high summer, play early or late in the day, drink often and protect yourself from the sun.
• Avoid playing on a wet or mossy court: it gets slippery.

Regulations

European standards are voluntary, but they are the reference when an accident happens. The rules posted on site always come first.

Etiquette

• When others are waiting, limit your time on court, for example to one set, then make way.
• Close the gate behind you on the way in and out so balls do not escape.
• If you need to walk behind a neighbouring court, wait until the rally is over.
• Return a ball from the next court between points, not in the middle of their rally.
• Call the lines honestly and give your opponent the benefit of the doubt.
• Take your empty ball tubes and bottles home.

Glossary

Game, set, match

The three levels of scoring: you win points to take a game, games to take a set, and sets to take the match.

Deuce

The score at 40-all. A player must then win two points in a row to take the game.

Advantage

The point won after deuce. The player with advantage wins the game by taking the next point.

Let

A serve that clips the net and lands in the correct box. It is replayed.

Ace

A serve the opponent fails to touch.

Backhand

A shot hit on the opposite side to your racket hand, with one or two hands.

Volley

A shot played before the ball bounces, usually close to the net.

Tramlines

The narrow strips down each side of the court, used only in doubles. Also called doubles alleys.

What to bring

• Tennis racket
• Tube of balls
• Tennis shoes
• Spare overgrip
• Water bottle

FAQ