Tennis is a sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles), where the objective is to hit a ball over a net into the opponent’s court. Players use racket-like implements to strike the ball, which can be made of rubber and covered with felt. The game is played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts.
Scoring in tennis is unique, with points counted as 15, 30, 40, and game, and matches can be played in sets. A player must win a certain number of sets, typically best of three or five, to win a match. The sport requires a combination of physical skill, agility, strategy, and mental focus. It has a rich history, with roots dating back to 12th-century France, and has evolved into a global competitive sport with major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open. Tennis also has various formats, including singles and doubles, and is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The game emphasizes sportsmanship, and players often exhibit respect towards opponents and officials.