Ref
Court dimensions
How singles and doubles widths differ, where the service lines sit, and net height — diagram drawn to ITF proportions with toggle highlights.
Quick reference
| Measurement | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Court length (baseline to baseline) | 23.77 m (78 ft) | 23.77 m (78 ft) |
| Court width | 8.23 m (27 ft) | 10.97 m (36 ft) |
| Doubles alley (each side) | Not in play | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Service line to net | 6.40 m (21 ft) | 6.40 m (21 ft) |
| Service box | 8.23 × 6.40 m | 10.97 × 6.40 m |
| Net height — center | 0.914 m (3 ft) | 0.914 m (3 ft) |
| Net height — at posts | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
Singles vs doubles court
The only difference between singles and doubles is width. Both share the same 23.77 m length and the same 6.40 m service line from the net. In doubles the court is 1.37 m wider on each side — the doubles alleys — so the ball stays in play nearer the sidelines. In singles those alleys are out and the singles sidelines are the boundary.
Why the net is lower in the middle
A tennis net is 1.07 m at the posts and dips to 0.914 m at the center because it is pulled tight between two posts. Players serve and rally over the lower middle, which is why the center is the easiest place to clear the net.
Service boxes
The net, the two service lines, and the center service line divide each side into four service boxes. Every serve must land diagonally in the correct box. The boxes are 6.40 m deep and as wide as the court you are playing (8.23 m singles, 10.97 m doubles).
Serve zones and serving rules
The server stands behind the baseline and must hit the ball diagonally into the opposite service box. From 0/even points you serve into the deuce court, from odd points into the ad court. You get two tries; a foot fault loses that serve. A let is replayed. The serve must bounce in the box — it may not be volleyed.
Return of serve
The receiver waits diagonally across from the server. The return may be hit before or after the bounce. The receiver must not touch the ball before it crosses the net, and there is no box restriction on the return. In doubles, either partner may return a ball that comes to their side.
Space around the court
Clubs leave run-off beyond the lines — about 6.4 m behind baselines and 3.66 m at the sides for singles, more at tournaments. When you mark a recreational court, budget that extra room so players are not trapped against a fence.