Every serious tennis player has been there—that moment where they could have won the game, if only the court were just an inch longer.
But tennis court dimensions should be within the standard measurements, ensuring accurate and fair play for all. And these measurements don’t just apply to the court as a whole; they also cover the various divisions of the court involved in game play.
How Big Is a Tennis Court?
Tennis court contractors should offer two different sizes of tennis courts: average and competitive. The average court is typically used in homes, small clubs, and other places where people play for fun, but not necessarily for training to compete. It is 120 feet long and 60 feet wide.
When tennis court contractors design professional courts, they make them so genuine tennis enthusiasts can play professional matches, practice, and even host tournaments. These courts are larger, giving more space for everything from judges to water coolers. These are 130 feet long by 70 feet wide.
No matter the type of court, the playing area should always be the same: 78 feet long by 36 feet wide.
Lines of Measurement
If you’ve ever watched a tennis game, you’ve noticed that within the playing area, there are lines that divide it up. Each have precise measurements that should be mirror images of the other side of the net. The court lines themselves should be between 2 and 4 inches in width, depending on the tools your tennis court contactor uses.
Baseline
This is the furthest line from the net and determines when the ball is out of bounds. It should be 36 feet long, with the middle 27 feet used in singles matches.
Sidelines
The sidelines function like the baseline but for the sides of the court. They run the full 78 feet of the playing surface.
Service Lines
These lines run parallel to the net between the doubles sidelines. There is also a center service line that is perpendicular to the net, running between the service lines. These intersect 21 feet from the net.
Center Mark
This is a 4-inch-long mark that comes out of the middle of the baseline, indicating where to position yourself for serving.
Left and Right Service Boxes
The intersection between service lines and the central service line creates distinct left and right service boxes. These should be 13.5 feet in length and 21 feet in width.
Whether you are installing a new court or need tennis court resurfacing, Talbot Tennis will ensure your measurements are precise. Contact us to get a quote.