Understanding The Different Surface Types In Tennis

Throughout the year, tennis tournaments are held on three different surfaces that test the players’ mettle in distinct ways and make seasons ever more exciting for fans. The three surface types are the following:

Image source:tennis.com.au

Hard court

The most common playing surface in both professional and recreational tennis, hard courts are usually made from concrete, asphalt, or synthetic layers such as rubberized carpets. Hard courts are described as a “democratic” surface because it gives players of varying playing styles equal opportunity to excel. The surface gives the ball a predictable bounce and promotes a fast game pace.

Grass

Grass was the original playing surface in tennis. But because it is difficult and expensive to maintain, grass courts are rare nowadays and the grass-court season lasts for just six weeks in a year.

The bounce and pace of the games on grass courts depend on the weather (cold days mean heavier balls and slower games while warm days result to lighter balls and faster games) and how well-maintained the grass is.

Image source:duraplaycourts.com

Clay

In clay courts, the playing surface is sprinkled with crushed mineral aggregates, such as shale, brick, stone, or basalt. It creates a slow game, high bounce of the ball, and longer rallies that favor players who boast strong groundstrokes and great stamina. Clay courts are also considered the most physically demanding among the surface types.

Greensboro, NC resident Vijaya Prakash Boggala enjoys watching live sports, such as tennis and cricket. For more articles about these sports, subscribe to this blog.