playing surfaces

Tennis is played on various indoor and outdoor surfaces; playing strategies are adapted to the court surface.

grass

Extremely fast playing surface that favors a serve-and-volley game; grass surfaces are increasingly rare due to high maintenance costs.

synthetic surface

Soft elastic surface that offers excellent bounce and reduces the risk of injury.

hard surface (cement)

Surface given to fast bounces; hard surfaces quickly wear out shoes and balls.

clay

Slow and comfortable surface given to long rallies; clay courts require regular but low-cost maintenance.