A court is a place to play tennis, which is a level area consisting of a playing field bounded by lines and a space from the lines (perimeter) to the fence, called the runs.

The standard dimensions of the court, including the runs, are 18.3×36.6 m. The playing field is a rectangle with dimensions: for single game 8.23×23.77 m; for doubles 10.97×23.77 m.

Measurements are taken at the outer edges of the markup lines. Evolution of changes in the shape, markings and dimensions of the court here. Methodology for making court markings here. The length of the backstops on courts designed for official tournaments should be no less than 6.4 m on each side (for club and training areas, it is allowed to reduce the width of the side runs to 5 m). The width of the side runs, respectively, must be at least 3.6 m on each side (not less than 3 m).

Center and first courts at Grand Slam tournaments, the most prestigious ATP and WTA series, as well as Davis Cup World Group courts have runs of at least 8.23 m behind the back line and at least 4.57 m – behind the sideline. The permitted unevenness of the court is 3 mm for each linear 3 m of the surface.

The distance between the axes of the posts for fixing the net is 91.4 cm on both sides of the outer lateral lines. If the posts are intended to be removable, the depth of the embeddings under them is 0.75 m. The depth for the carabiner (hook) of the central strap, tennis net, is in the center of the playing field (recommended depth – 20.5 cm). Covering the courts can be both natural and artificial.

Outdoor courts (outdoors) are oriented on the longitudinal axis in the “North-South” direction. This arrangement is most comfortable when playing on sunny days (morning and evening sun does not dazzle the eyes).

Permanent equipment are: a net with a central strap; poles and stanchions for the net; a umpire’s tower; fencing behind and to the side of the court; bleachers or seats for spectators (if the court is designed for tournaments).

For some tournaments, ITF requirements specify a minimum number of spectator seats. For example, for Davis Cup – not less than 12 thousand.

• The rules provide for:
• The net (black or dark-colored) must be stretched so as to completely cover the space between the two poles, and have cells of such size that the ball cannot fly through it;
• the width of the upper white strip of fabric is 5-6,35 cm on each side; the maximum diameter of the metal wire of the net is 8 mm;
• maximum width of the central white band of the net – 5 cm
• the height of the net at its center – 91,4 cm (adjustable by the strap)
• the cross-sectional area of the netting posts must not exceed 15 sq. cm or 15 cm in diameter (with a circular cross-section)
• the area of the cross-sectional area of the net posts (used in case of single game) must not exceed 7,5 square centimeters or 7,5 cm in diameter;
• the height of the posts or props above the upper edge of the net must not exceed 2.5 cm. the distance between the axis of the post or props to the outer edge of the corresponding sideline is 91.4 cm
• distance between the posts (on their axes) – 12,8 m; the judging tower must be such that the seat is located at a height of 1,8-2,0 m from the surface of the court.

Courts in the open air must have a fence of woven metal mesh (“Rabita”) with a cell from 3.5 to 5 cm or a fence. The recommended height of the fence around the court – at least 3 m, except for areas behind the sidelines, which may be 1 m.

For better visibility of the ball behind the back lines use dark backgrounds. They also play a windproof function on outdoor courts. Tennis backdrops shall be fitted to the ends of the court and shall act as windshields and shading screens. The backdrops are made in sizes: 2.0×12 m, 2.1×18.0 m and 2.7×18.0 m.

Backgrounds can also be climbing on the fence non-flowering species of vines (wild grapes, ivy, hopscotch or tall shrubs. True, it takes a few years to form a living backdrop, but the longevity will be counted in the century.