Tennis Court Dimensions, Markings, and Layout Explained

The tennis court is more than just a flat surface — it’s a precision-engineered playing field designed for speed, balance, and fair play. Every inch, from the baseline to the service box, follows global standards that ensure consistency across matches, whether at Wimbledon or a local club in India. Understanding tennis court dimensions, markings, and layout is crucial for anyone planning to build a tennis court — from architects and school administrators to sports facility owners.

This guide breaks down the complete structure, layout, and surface standards of a tennis court, including the difference between singles and doubles configurations, materials used, and professional recommendations for synthetic tennis courts.

Standard Tennis Court Dimensions

A standard tennis court size is regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to maintain uniformity worldwide.

Key dimensions:

• Baseline to baseline: 23.77 meters (78 feet)
  
  

• Service line to net: 6.40 meters (21 feet)
  
  

• Distance between singles sidelines: 8.23 meters (27 feet)
  
  

• Distance between doubles sidelines: 10.97 meters (36 feet)
  
  

• Height of the net at center: 0.914 meters (3 feet)
  
  

• Height of the net at posts: 1.07 meters (3.5 feet)
  
  

The runoff area (the extra space outside the lines) is also critical for player safety:

• Behind baseline: Minimum 6.4 meters (21 feet)
  
  

• Sides: Minimum 3.66 meters (12 feet)
  
  

That means a full tennis court construction area should ideally measure 36.57m × 18.29m (120 ft × 60 ft), including clear runoffs and fencing space.

Court Layout and Markings

A tennis court is divided symmetrically by the net, with several key markings that define play zones.

a) Baselines

The back boundary lines of the court where players serve and rally. Every point starts here.

b) Sidelines

There are two sets of sidelines:

• Singles sidelines for individual matches
  
  

• Doubles sidelines extending wider for team play
  
  

c) Service Boxes

Two equal rectangles on each side of the net, divided by the center service line.
Each measures 6.40m × 4.11m (21 ft × 13.5 ft).

d) Center Mark

A small 10 cm (4-inch) mark at the center of the baseline helps guide server position during play.

e) Net and Posts

The net divides the court into two halves. It should be taut and evenly suspended between two net posts — each 1.07m (3.5 ft) high and positioned just outside the doubles lines.

 Materials Used in Tennis Court Construction

The choice of tennis court materials directly affects bounce speed, comfort, durability, and maintenance. The main surface types used globally are:

a) Acrylic Hard Courts

• Composition: Multi-layered synthetic system over asphalt or concrete base.
  
  

• Features: High durability, consistent bounce, UV-resistant, and customizable pace levels (ITF Category 1–5).
  
  

• Ideal for: Schools, clubs, and professional tournaments.
  
  

• Example: Acrylic tennis surface systems like those from Pacecourt or Top Flooring offer cushion and non-cushion variants.
  
  

b) Clay Courts

• Made from crushed brick, shale, or stone.
  
  

• Slower bounce, ideal for long rallies and softer on joints.
  
  

• Requires regular maintenance and rolling.
  
  

c) Grass Courts

• Natural grass laid over compact soil.
  
  

• Fastest surface, but requires daily upkeep and ideal drainage.
  
  

• Rarely used in tropical or humid regions.
  
  

d) Synthetic Courts

• Also called synthetic tennis courts, built using acrylic, PU, or artificial turf systems over a solid base.
  
  

• Provide excellent all-weather performance with low maintenance.
  
  

• Popular for Indian climates due to UV resistance and water resilience.
  
  

 Layers of an Acrylic or Synthetic Tennis Court

Modern synthetic tennis court construction typically includes the following layers:

1. Concrete or Asphalt Base:
   Provides stability, drainage, and slope (1:100) for water flow.
   
   

2. Acrylic Resurfacer:
   Smooths surface imperfections and enhances adhesion.
   
   

3. Cushion Layers (optional):
   Rubberized coatings for player comfort and shock absorption.
   
   

4. Acrylic Color Coats:
   Two coats that provide vibrant color and texture.
   
   

5. Line Marking Paint:
   High-visibility white acrylic marking for boundaries and zones.
   
   

This acrylic tennis surface system ensures long-term durability, consistent grip, and true bounce—ideal for professional-level play.

 How to Build a Tennis Court

Constructing a tennis court requires precision, quality materials, and adherence to ITF standards. The major steps include:

Step 1: Site Selection and Base Preparation

• Choose a level, well-drained area.
  
  

• Construct an asphalt or concrete base with proper slope (1:100).
  
  

Step 2: Application of Surface System

• Apply primer, acrylic resurfacer, and color coats sequentially.
  
  

• Add cushion coats if needed for comfort.
  
  

Step 3: Marking and Net Installation

• Mark playing lines using white acrylic paint.
  
  

• Install net posts and tension-adjustable net.
  
  

Step 4: Fencing and Lighting

• Use 10–12 ft high chain-link fencing.
  
  

• Install LED floodlights for nighttime play.
  
  

Step 5: Final Inspection

• Check surface uniformity, ball bounce, and friction level to ensure it meets ITF play category standards.
  
  

Acrylic Tennis Surfaces in India

Due to India’s varied climate—heat, dust, monsoon, and UV exposure—the acrylic tennis surface is the most preferred system today.
It offers:

• All-weather usability
  
  

• Slip-resistant texture
  
  

• Low maintenance
  
  

• Vibrant color options (blue, green, red)
  
  

• 10+ years lifespan with proper upkeep
  
  

Top manufacturers like Top Flooring, Pacecourt, and SLT Sports provide ITF-certified synthetic tennis court materials across India, used in schools, academies, and sports complexes.

Maintenance and Longevity

Even the best tennis court materials need periodic maintenance to stay in shape.

• Cleaning: Regular sweeping and washing to remove dust.
  
  

• Repainting: Every 4–5 years for color and texture renewal.
  
  

• Crack filling: As needed, especially after monsoon.

• Resurfacing: Every 5–7 years depending on usage.
  
  

Proper care ensures consistent ball bounce and extends the life of the synthetic tennis court surface.

Conclusion

Building a professional-grade tennis court involves more than just marking lines — it’s about balancing design accuracy, surface technology, and material performance.
Whether it’s for a housing society, school, or sports academy, following ITF dimensions, using premium tennis court materials, and opting for a synthetic or acrylic tennis surface ensures long-lasting quality and playability.

If you plan to build a tennis court, consult trusted manufacturers and certified installers to achieve international-level results that last for years.