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Whether you’re new to tennis or have been playing for a while, doubles can add excitement and challenge to the game. Doubles tennis has two players on each side of the court, making it fast-paced and strategic.

In this post, we’ll go over the rules for doubles tennis and some tips to help you play better.

How to Play Double Tennis?

The rules for doubles tennis are mostly like singles tennis, but there are a few important differences to know on how to play double tennis.

Tennis Doubles Scoring

1. The scoring system in doubles tennis follows the same format as singles tennis.

2. Points are awarded as follows: 15, 30, 40, with the final point needed to win the game referred to as “game point.”
3. If both teams reach 40-40, it’s called deuce. From deuce, a team must win two consecutive points to win the game.

4. The first team to win six games with a lead of at least two games wins the set.

5. If the set is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner of the set.

Tennis Doubles Serving Rules

1. In tennis doubles serving rules, each player serves alternately, starting with one team serving for the first game, and the opposing team serving for the second game.

2. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the diagonal service box of the opponent’s court.

3. The serve must land within the service box and not touch the net.

4. If the server’s team wins the point, they continue to serve. If the opposing team wins the point, they gain the serve.

Court Dimensions

1. The dimensions of the tennis court for doubles are the same as those for singles, except for the width.

2. The court is 36 feet wide instead of 27 feet, to accommodate two players on each side.

3. The length of the court remains 78 feet.

4. The net is 3 feet tall at the center and extends to the sidelines, dividing the court into two equal halves.

Additional Tennis Doubles Rules in Tennis

Expanding upon the fundamental tennis doubles rules outlined earlier, the following provides supplementary rules and guidelines essential for understanding and playing tennis doubles effectively.

Service Order

• The serving order is determined at the start of the match and alternates between teams after each game.

• Players on a team usually take turns serving for one game before the service switches to their partner.

• The serving team can decide which player serves first in the initial game, but the subsequent order follows the established rotation.

Service Faults

• A fault occurs if the server fails to execute a proper serve, such as missing the service box or foot faulting (stepping over the baseline before contact).

• Two consecutive faults result in a double fault, and the point is awarded to the opposing team.

Let Serves

• If the server’s ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box, it’s called a let serve.

• In such cases, the server gets another chance to serve without penalty.

Faults during Play

• Making a shot that lands out of bounds, hitting the net with a shot, or committing a foot fault while serving leads to the loss of the point.

Court Positioning

• Players must maintain their assigned court positions during each point, usually defending either the forehand or backhand side.

• While players can switch positions between points, they must adhere to their designated positions during play.

Changeovers

• Players switch ends of the court after every odd game in a set to ensure fairness regarding factors like sun and wind direction.

Time Between Points

• Players are allotted a specific time between points to prepare and serve, and exceeding this limit may result in warnings or penalties.

Code of Conduct

• Tennis has a code of conduct that players must follow, including rules against unsportsmanlike conduct, verbal abuse, and racquet abuse.

• Violations of the code of conduct can result in warnings, point penalties, or even disqualification from the match.

Improving Your Doubles Tennis Game through Positioning

In doubles tennis, where you stand on the court is very important. It helps you anticipate your opponents’ moves, cover more ground, and play to your strengths as a team. 

Here are some basic positioning rules to help you win more matches:

1. Stay in Your Area: Stick to your side of the court—either forehand or backhand—to avoid confusion and cover the court effectively. When your partner serves, stand near the service line ready to move forward if needed.

2. Watch Your Opponents: Pay attention to where your opponents are positioned. If they’re both at the net, play defensively. If one is back at the baseline, take advantage of the net.

3. Communicate with Your Partner: Keep talking to your partner and coordinate your movements. This ensures you both cover the court well and can adapt to each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

4. Work as a Team: Doubles positioning is all about teamwork. By following these rules and communicating effectively, you’ll improve your chances of winning matches and taking your game to the next level. With practice, you and your partner can become a strong doubles team and enjoy success on the court.

Tips for Better Doubles Tennis Performance

Now that we’ve covered the doubles tennis rules look at some simple tips to improve your game:

• Improve Your Net Game: Work on hitting volleys and half-volleys effectively and feel confident moving to the net. Practice your net skills and footwork to become more comfortable in this area.

• Cover the Court Well: Move quickly and efficiently to reach the ball and anticipate your opponents’ shots. Coordinate with your partner to decide who covers which areas of the court and adjust your strategy based on your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Serve Smartly: Vary your serves to keep your opponents guessing and aim for the corners of the service box. Target the weaker player on the opposing team to apply pressure and increase your chances of success.

Conclusion Playing Doubles Tennis

Playing doubles tennis is both fun and challenging, but it’s important to know the rules for doubles tennis  and strategies. 

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can get better and succeed on the court.

F.A.Q

What are the basic double tennis rules❓

Doubles tennis involves two teams of two players each, with players on each team taking turns serving and covering specific areas of the court.

How do players rotate serving in doubles tennis❓

Players serve alternately within a team, with one player serving for an entire game before the serve switches to their partner.

Are there specific court positions players must adhere to in doubles tennis❓

Yes, players typically cover either the forehand or backhand side of the court, ensuring comprehensive court coverage and strategic positioning.

What happens if the serving team wins a point in doubles tennis❓

If the serving team wins a point, they continue to serve; if the opposing team wins the point, they gain the serve.

Is communication important in doubles tennis❓

Absolutely! Effective communication between partners is crucial for coordinating shots, movements, and strategies during a match.

What happens if both teams reach a score of 40-40 in a game❓

When the score is tied at 40-40, it’s called “deuce,” and a team must win two consecutive points to secure the game.

The best female tennis players of all time dominates at the top tennis tournaments around, including the Australian Open, the French Open, the US Open, and Wimbledon.

In this article, we’ll explore the achievements, records, and impact of these 9 best female tennis players.

Greatest female tennis players TOP 9

Steffie Graf

Stefanie Maria Graf, better known as Steffi Graf, started playing tennis at 3.

After winning the German and European Junior Cups, she started playing professionally on October 18, 1982. The next day, she lost to Tracy Austin (4-6, 0-6).

Steffi Graf participated in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 84 (aged 15) and won the gold medal by defeating Yugoslavian Sabrina Goles 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final. 

However, her medal did not count in the official medal tally as tennis, in this competition, was still an exhibition sport.

She was ITF world champion 7 times: in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995 and 1996.

In 1999, the Associated Press named her “best tennis player of the 20th century”. She won 22 Grand Slam singles titles between 1987 and 1999.

Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova, at the age of fourteen, won her first national tournament, and at sixteen, she was the best in the Czechoslovak ranking. 

From 1974 to 1994, Martina Navratilova dominated the tennis courts with speed, strength, and brilliant tactics.

Undoubtedly the best player of the 1980s, she held the number one spot in women’s world rankings from 1982 to 1987.

Her exceptional career led the USA to win the Fed Cup in 1981, 1982, 1986, 1989, and 1990, two years before she lost to Jimmy Connors.

Chris Evert

Chris Evert was a well-balanced player who became a favorite of journalists and spectators, drawing large audiences and winning major awards for women’s tennis.

Professional since 1972, having already won the Virginia Slims Masters (1971, 1972) and the U.S. Clay Court Championship (1972). 

At 19, she won the singles titles at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and the Italian Open.

In 1975, she won it again, winning the U.S. Open singles title for the first time by defeating Evonne Goolagong at Forest Hills. 

Chris Evert is one of the best female tennis players who defeated Goolagong again in 1976 at Wimbledon. Also, you could read about the best men’s tennis players.

She continued her triumphs in the most important international tournaments: 5 times at the US Open, 5 times at Roland Garros, 2 Wimbledon titles, and 2 Australian Opens.

She retired from competition in 1989 and worked as a television commentator.

Martina Hingis

The next greatest female tennis playeris a former Swiss professional tennis player of Czechoslovakian origin.

She has been the number 1 player in the world in the WTA ranking in both singles and doubles.

She has won five Grand Slam singles tournaments (three Australian Opens, one Wimbledon, and one U.S. Open) and was a finalist in seven others, including twice at Roland Garros. 

She also won thirteen Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles, winning the Grand Slam (all four tournaments in the same year) in 1998 and seven in mixed doubles.

Serena Williams

Serena Jameka Williams Price is an American professional tennis player who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

She won her first tournament at the age of four and a half. By age 10, Williams had triumphed in 46 out of 49 tournaments she participated in.

At one point, she replaced her sister Venus as the No. 1 player under 12 in California.

Serena turned professional in September 1995 at the age of 14. Because of her age, WTA-sponsored tournaments did not permit her participation, initially restricting her to non-WTA events.

She lost in less than an hour in her first pro match at the Bell Challenge in Quebec. But she didn’t give up, eventually starting to win matches.

She continued playing but did not find much success until 1997, when she jumped from No. 453 in the world ranking to No. 304.

Gabriela Sabatini

In 1985, at just 15 years and three weeks old, Sabatini became the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam singles semifinal at Roland Garros. The five-time champion eliminated her, Chris Evert.

Weeks earlier, despite being ranked 38th, she surprised the world by reaching her first final at the Hilton Head tournament.

Monica Seles

Seles was born in Yugoslavia (in present-day Serbia), but emigrated to the United States at an early age to turn professional.

1990, at just 16 years old, she became the youngest player in history to win a Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

At 17 in 1991, she solidified her status as a tennis star, winning three of four Grand Slam tournaments and the WTA Tour Championships.

Venus Williams

Venus Ebone Starr Williams Price is an American professional tennis player. She quickly became one of California’s best young tennis players. For a long time, she shared the top of the rankings with her sister Serena Williams.

Venus became a professional player in the 1990s and had a very lucrative career. She has won many major championships, including three Olympic gold medals (singles and doubles at Sydney 2000; doubles at Beijing 2008).

Justine Henin 

Justine Henin is a former tennis player. During her professional career, Henin won seven Grand Slam titles: 4 Roland Garros, 1 Australian Open, and 2 U.S. Opens. Her only outstanding Grand Slam was Wimbledon, and therefore, she did not win the career Grand Slam. 

As the No. 1-ranked tennis player in the world, she announced on May 14, 2008, at a press conference her retirement from the professional tennis circuit with immediate effect at 25.1. Henin remained retired from the WTA circuit for almost 2 years. 

However, on January 4, 2010, she returned to the professional circuit at the Brisbane tournament. 

Six months after her return, Justine was ranked No. 13 in the world rankings before the 2011 Australian Grand Slam. On January 26, 2011, she announced her definitive retirement from tennis due to a serious injury to her elbow. 

“The medical examinations are clear, and so are the doctors. My elbow is too damaged and fragile to continue to practice my passion and my craft at the highest level,” Henin, 28, wrote in a letter published in several newspapers and on her website.

Final Words

These 9 best female tennis players are incredibly talented and have not only broken records and inspired countless people worldwide but have also helped advance the sport. 

Who is considered the best female tennis player of all time❓

Multiple Grand Slam champions, Olympic gold medalists, and pioneers in the sport make up the list. These players have dominated tournaments such as the Australian Open, French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon.

What makes Steffi Graf stand out among the best female tennis players❓

Steffi Graf’s exceptional career includes 22 Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. She was also named the “best tennis player of the 20th century” by the Associated Press.

Why is Martina Navratilova regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players❓

Martina Navratilova’s dominance in the 1980s, winning numerous titles and holding the top world ranking, solidifies her place among the best. She’s renowned for her speed, strength, and tactical brilliance on the court.

What achievements distinguish Chris Evert in women's tennis history❓

Chris Evert’s illustrious career includes multiple Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon, French Open, and US Open victories. She was known for her balanced gameplay and wide-ranging success across major tournaments.

Who is the #1 female tennis player in the world❓

Iga Swiatek is the current singles world No. 1.

Find out the incredible journeys of the best men’s tennis players who have impacted the sport. 

In this article, we explore the achievements of some tennis legends. Novak Djokovic is often seen as the greatest men’s player. Roger Federer is known for his distinctive style and lasting success; Rafael Nadal is a talented player with an impressive record on clay.

Rod Laver, a pre-Open Era maestro with an unmatched legacy, and Pete Sampras, a dominant force in men’s tennis in the 1990s.

Join us as we celebrate the achievements of these tennis greats, each contributing to the sport’s rich history in their exceptional ways.

1. Novak Djokovic

v the greatest tennis player in history, Novak Djokovic has shattered nearly every record in the sport’s annals. Djokovic has maintained the top ranking for an unprecedented 401 weeks, firmly establishing his supremacy in the game.

In a two-decade career, he won 98 singles titles, including a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam victories, surpassing Nadal’s previous record. 

Djokovic’s achievements include an astounding ten Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, and three French Open titles.

He’s the only player to achieve the Career Golden Masters, winning each of the nine Masters 1000 titles at least once and securing 40 Masters victories.

In 2015 and 2016, Djokovic secured the non-calendar Grand Slam, holding all four major titles. In 2020, he added his second French Open title by unseating Nadal, making him the sole player in the Open Era to achieve the Career Grand Slam twice.

Displaying peak performance in 2023 and exhibiting no signs of slowing down, Novak Djokovic appears poised to etch his name in history books as the preeminent tennis player who graced the court.

2. Roger Federer

Undoubtedly one of the most exceptional tennis players to ever step onto the court, Roger Federer possesses an unparalleled style.

Over 23 years spanning four decades, the Swiss maestro held the world no.1 spot for 310 weeks, the longest streak in ATP Open Era history.

Notably, he held the world no.1 position for an impressive four and a half years, encompassing 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008.

His dominance in the 2000s manifested in 18 out of 19 major finals between 2005 and 2010, securing three Grand Slam titles in 2004, 2006, and 2007, and completing his Career Golden Slam in 2009 with a triumph at the French Open.

Federer’s illustrious career boasts 103 singles titles, marking the second-highest tally in the Open Era, trailing only Jimmy Connors.

Among his numerous accolades, he claims a record-tying 20 Grand Slam titles alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and an unprecedented six ATP Tour Finals titles.

In 2017, he clinched an eighth Wimbledon title, sharing the most US Open Titles (5) record with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Federer has garnered immense popularity among fans, winning the ATP Fan’s Player of the Year award for an astonishing 19 consecutive years from 2003 to 2020.

Moreover, he earned the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award five times. Undoubtedly, Roger Federer has etched his name in the annals of history as one of the greatest athletes ever.

3. Rafael Nadal

Emerging as one of the most accomplished teenagers in the history of the ATP tour, Rafael Nadal ascended to the world no. 2 ranking at a mere 19 years old, amassing an impressive 16 titles, including his inaugural French Open victory in 2005.

By 2008, Nadal secured his fourth French Open title and added his initial Wimbledon triumph in a historic match that saw him overthrow Roger Federer, widely regarded as one of the most incredible tennis contests.

In that remarkable year, he claimed the world no. 1 ranking for the first time and secured an Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Subsequently, Nadal’s illustrious career has seen him accumulate 92 titles, notably setting a record with 22 Grand Slam victories.

With an outstanding 91% win rate on clay throughout his career and an extraordinary 112-3 record at Roland Garros, the Spanish tennis icon secured an unparalleled 14th French Open title in 2022, solidifying his status as the indisputable King of Clay. 

Moreover, Nadal stands alongside Andre Agassi as one of only two men to achieve the Career Golden Slam, conquering all four Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold medal.

4. Rod Laver

Embraced by fans and fellow players, Rod Laver is regarded as one of the most exceptional tennis players in history. Commencing his career before the Open Era, Laver boasts an unparalleled record, securing 198 titles. 

He clinched 6 Grand Slam titles before 1968 and added 5 more during the Open Era. Laver’s illustrious achievements extend to 6 doubles Grand Slam titles and 5 Davis Cup titles, further solidifying his status in tennis lore.

Notably, he stands alone as the sole player to achieve ten or more titles in seven consecutive seasons, a remarkable feat from 1964 to 1970.

His legacy soars as the only male player in the Open Era to achieve the Calendar Grand Slam, winning all four majors in 1969.

Rod Laver’s impact on the sport remains unparalleled, earning him a revered place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

5. Pete Sampras

In the 1990s, Pete Sampras dominated with 286 weeks at the top and a six-year consecutive year-end no.1 ranking from 1993 to 1998.

His supremacy on grass courts was unparalleled, resulting in seven Wimbledon titles, a record that Roger Federer would later surpass.

Sampras excelled on hard courts, winning two Australian Open titles and sharing the record of five US Open titles with Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

Culminating his professional career on a high note, he clinched the 2002 US Open title by defeating his long-standing rival Andre Agassi in the final. Upon his retirement, Sampras had amassed 64 singles titles, including a then-recorded 14 Grand Slam victories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best men’s tennis players – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, and Pete Sampras—have made an unforgettable impact on the sport. 

Each player has left a lasting mark with their records and achievements, captivating fans globally.

Celebrating their accomplishments, they are among the best men’s tennis players ever.

Their legacies will inspire generations, ensuring their names endure in tennis history. Find out which tennis players are the best among men.

Who is considered the best men's tennis player of all time❓

Roger Federer is widely regarded as the best men’s tennis player of all time.

Is Roger Federer still one of the best men's tennis players❓

Yes, Roger Federer continues to be recognized as one of the best men’s tennis players, despite facing some injury challenges.

What defines the best men's tennis player❓

Grand Slam wins, consistent performance, ATP rankings.

What records and achievements make Novak Djokovic stand out in men's tennis❓

Novak Djokovic holds the record with 401 weeks as the top-ranked player, has won 98 singles titles, and achieved a Career Golden Masters by winning each of the nine Masters 1000 titles at least once.

How often do rankings change for top men's tennis players❓

Tennis rankings for top men’s players change weekly based on tournament performances over the past year, with factors like tournament level and points earned influencing the fluctuations.