Tennis is a racket sport played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). The game is played on a rectangular court divided by a net, and players use a strung racket to strike a felt-covered rubber ball. The objective is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is unable to return it in the prescribed manner, allowing the player to earn points.
Scoring in tennis is unique, with points counted as 0, 15, 30, and 40, culminating in the winning of a game. A player must win at least six games to win a set, and typically matches are played in a best-of-three or best-of-five sets format.
Tennis can be played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts, each affecting the speed and style of play. The sport is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and has produced prestigious tournaments, including the four Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Tennis is enjoyed recreationally and competitively around the world, renowned for its blend of skill, strategy, and athleticism.