SportsMonkie.com

Founder & Editor

Khabir Uddin

Khabir Uddin is the founder and editor of SportsMonkie, independently owning and operating the site. Alongside overseeing editorial standards across every desk, he writes and edits the tennis section.

TennisEditorial

Articles by Khabir Uddin (102)

File photo from June 2026 of Elina Svitolina at Sports Festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It was not taken at a tournament and does not show Gael Monfils. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Tennis

Elina Svitolina Announces Separation From Gael Monfils

Elina Svitolina announced on Instagram that her marriage to Gael Monfils is ending, citing the toll of the war in Ukraine and asking for space.

File photo from August 23, 2023: Eva Lys playing qualifying at the US Open. It does not show the 2026 season. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence as the original.
Tennis

Eva Lys Ends Her 2026 Season Early to Focus on Her Health and Change Her Treatment

Eva Lys announced she is ending her 2026 season early to focus on her physical and mental health and change the arthritis treatment she has used for over six years.

File photo from 22 May 2023: Sonay Kartal during qualifying at the French Open in Paris. It does not show the Wuhan Open. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 licence.
Tennis

World No. 170 Sonay Kartal Becomes the Lowest-Ranked WTA 1000 Finalist in Wuhan

Sonay Kartal, ranked 170 and in her second event back from a spinal stress fracture, beat Jelena Ostapenko from 4-1 down in both sets to become the lowest-ranked WTA 1000 finalist since 2009.

File photo from 21 January 2023: an empty clay tennis court in Melbourne, Australia, photographed looking down the net. It does not show Milicevic or any ITF event. The cropped 16:9 derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence as the original.
Tennis

Stefan Milicevic Banned for 24 Years After Running a Match-Fixing Network

Serbia's Stefan Milicevic, a former world No. 1,338, has been banned until 2050 and fined $70,000 after the ITIA found he fixed six matches and recruited other players.

File photo from 28 July 2024: Karolina Muchova serving against Leylah Fernandez at the Paris Olympics. It does not show the 2026 Wuhan Open. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Tennis

Muchova Wins Her First 10 Tiebreaks of the Year, a First This Century

Karolina Muchova beat Caty McNally in two tiebreaks in Wuhan to go 10-0 in tiebreaks in 2026, passing the starts of Sanchez Vicario and Sakkari.

File photo from 23 August 2023: Iga Swiatek practising at Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the US Open. It does not show the 2026 Wuhan Open. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Tennis

Swiatek Completes the WTA 1000 Semi-Final Set in Wuhan, the Last Box She Had Left

Iga Swiatek beat Ann Li 6-4, 6-1 in Wuhan to reach the semi-finals at all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, a set only three retired players had completed.

File photo from 29 August 2013: Gael Monfils playing at the US Open. It does not show his final match in 2026. Cropped 16:9 derivative offered under the same CC BY 2.0 licence as the original.
Tennis

Monfils's Paris Farewell Is Off After an Anti-Doping List Retired Him First

Gael Monfils has been on the ITIA retired list since October 5, ending his career weeks before the Paris Masters farewell he was expected to get.

File photo from 2 August 2017: Alexander Zverev playing at the Citi Open in Washington. It does not show the Shanghai Masters. The cropped 16:9 derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 licence as the original.
Tennis

Zverev Says His Ball Bouncing Went to an Extreme as the Umpire Tells Him to Watch the Clock

Alexander Zverev, warned about the shot clock in Shanghai, says the ball bouncing that reportedly passed 12,000 at the US Open is a habit he is trying to cut.

AI-generated illustration: a generic anonymous tennis player, back to the camera, gestures in frustration on an indoor hard court while a ball kid holds out a white towel beside the umpire's chair. It is not Rafael Jodar, not Shanghai, and not a photograph of the incident.
Tennis

Jodar Is Warned for Swearing at a Ball Kid, Then Completes His Third Shanghai Comeback

Rafael Jodar was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct after swearing at a ball kid over a towel in Shanghai, calmed down, and beat van de Zandschulp from a set down again.

File photo: the Riyadh skyline at dusk, including the Kingdom Centre. It does not show the ANB Arena or the Six Kings Slam. Cropped 16:9 derivative offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence as the original.
Tennis

Six Kings Slam Moved From October to December as Riyadh Attacks Close the Airport

The Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh has been moved from October 21-24 to December 27-30 after attacks closed the city's airport. The six players had not confirmed the new dates.

File photo from August 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas playing at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. It does not show the Shanghai match.
Tennis

A Ball Fell From Fritz's Pocket Twice, and Tsitsipas Had to Earn Match Point Again

Taylor Fritz lost a ball from his pocket on consecutive points at 2-5 in the third set in Shanghai, a match point was replayed, and Stefanos Tsitsipas still closed it out.

File photo from December 2023: the Maryland state flag, with its red and white Crossland quarters, flying below the United States flag. The altered version of this flag inside the tournament document is what the story is about. The cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Tennis

Maryland Suspends Its Club Tennis Team Over Racist Imagery Sent to Howard and Other Teams

The University of Maryland suspended its entire club tennis team indefinitely after a tournament document emailed to visiting teams, including Howard, contained KKK imagery in an altered state flag.

A generic tennis player seen from behind on a floodlit hard court at night, bending to clutch his right ankle with his racket in his other hand, editorial graphic. File illustration, not the Shanghai match.
Tennis

Zverev Saves Four Set Points on a Troublesome Ankle to Beat Bublik in Shanghai

Alexander Zverev saved four set points and played through a recurring ankle problem to beat Alexander Bublik 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(1) in Shanghai.

A generic tennis player seen from behind on one knee with both fists raised toward a night-session crowd, a large silver trophy on a table at the side of the court, editorial graphic
Tennis

Bergs Beats Alcaraz in Shanghai and Hands Zverev the Year-End No. 1

Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 7-6(4) in Shanghai on Monday, a result that confirmed Alexander Zverev as the ATP's year-end world No. 1.

A generic tennis player seen from behind sitting on a courtside chair in a night-session stadium, watching a large glowing match clock while the chair beside him sits empty with a towel draped over it and a dark tunnel behind, editorial graphic
Tennis

Bergs Took a Nine-Minute Toilet Break Against Alcaraz, and Nobody Stopped the Clock

Zizou Bergs was gone for a reported nine and a half minutes after the first set against Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai, drew no warning, and Jamie Murray and Brad Gilbert want the rule enforced.

A generic tennis player seen from behind at a courtside bench at night, a smashed racket on the court beside him and his hand pressed to a cracked courtside drinks cooler, editorial graphic
Tennis

Bublik Smashes His Racket, Cuts His Hand on a Cooler, Then Beats Nakashima in Shanghai

Alexander Bublik blew two set points, smashed his racket, kicked his chair and cut his hand on a courtside cooler in Shanghai, then beat Brandon Nakashima.

A generic young tennis player seen from behind, stretched full width behind the baseline to return a serve on a night hard court in a large stadium, editorial graphic
Tennis

Gea's Shanghai Run Ends After 22 Minutes as a Psoas Injury Stops His Quarter-Final

Arthur Gea's breakout Shanghai run ended in his first Masters 1000 quarter-final, retiring at 4-1 down against Davidovich Fokina with a psoas injury felt in the warm-up.

A generic tennis player practising alone on a tournament practice court while two generic players with racket bags walk away toward a distant court and fans watch through a chain-link fence, editorial graphic
Tennis

Fans Accuse Zverev of Taking Shelton and Hewitt's Practice Court in Shanghai

Spectators in Shanghai say Alexander Zverev arrived late to his practice court and stayed into Ben Shelton and Cruz Hewitt's slot. Zverev has now dismissed the claims on social media.

A generic young long-haired tennis player with a prominent moustache signing a courtside TV camera lens while his coaching team, all wearing matching moustaches, applaud from the player box behind him, editorial graphic
Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz and His Whole Team Wear Moustaches in Shanghai After a Tokyo Pact

Carlos Alcaraz opened his Shanghai Masters campaign sporting a moustache, and so did his entire team box, after a pact made celebrating his Tokyo title.

An untouched birthday cake with lit candles on a courtside table in a night tennis stadium, ignored by a generic player in plain black kit walking back to the baseline with a racket, editorial graphic
Tennis

Ben Shelton Wins on His 24th Birthday in Shanghai and Says He Hates Cake

Ben Shelton marked turning 24 by beating Daniel Altmaier in Shanghai, then said he hates cake, three years after being given two cakes at the same event.

A generic big-serving tennis player in white following through on a serve at night while an exhausted veteran in dark kit bends over with his hands on his knees across the net, editorial graphic
Tennis

Hurkacz Beats Djokovic for the First Time in Nine Meetings as the Beijing Toll Catches Up in Shanghai

Hubert Hurkacz beat Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 in Shanghai, his first win in nine meetings, three days after Djokovic's Beijing title ended in a retirement.

A generic tennis player in plain white kit sitting on a night stadium court holding his ankle beside a damaged net tape while his opponent waits with arms spread at the far baseline, editorial graphic
Tennis

Wu Yibing Says Zverev's Shanghai Behaviour Was Unnecessary and Broke the Rhythm

Wu Yibing criticised Alexander Zverev's falls, lighting complaints and net-tape fiddling after their Shanghai match, calling them rhythm-breaking and unnecessary.

A generic tennis player in plain dark kit shouting in frustration as his racket flies toward the side fence of an outdoor hard court under evening lights, editorial graphic
Tennis

Terence Atmane Apologizes After Racket Throw Nearly Brings a Default in Shanghai Qualifying

Terence Atmane threw his racket toward the side fence in Shanghai qualifying, retired against Bernard Tomic, then apologized and said he will step back.

A lone tennis player seen from behind with one hand raised toward a glowing, flickering LED advertising board beside a floodlit hard court at night, a ball frozen in mid-air, editorial graphic
Tennis

Coco Gauff Calls Out 'Insane' Racist Abuse After Replayed Point at the China Open

Coco Gauff said she received an 'insane' amount of racist abuse online after a flickering LED board got a point replayed in her China Open win over Sun Xinran.

A tennis ball frozen in mid-air above the front-row seats of a floodlit hard-court stadium at night, with a lone player at the far baseline and the umpire chair in the background, editorial graphic
Tennis

Medvedev Disqualified From China Open Semi-Final After Ball Hits Spectator in the Eye

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic after a rebounding ball he hit struck a front-row spectator in the eye.

A giant tournament draw board in a tennis stadium with the number 1 and number 2 seed positions crossed out in red above an empty court, editorial graphic
Tennis

China Open Loses Its Top Two Seeds as Rybakina and Sabalenka Fall on Consecutive Days

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina lost to the world No. 118 in her first match at No. 1, then Aryna Sabalenka fell to Nikola Bartunkova, emptying the China Open draw of its top seeds.

An empty player bench at a floodlit hard-court stadium at night with an unused tennis bag, two rackets and a knee brace on a folded towel, editorial graphic
Tennis

Jannik Sinner Pulls Out of Shanghai Masters as Knee Absence Hits Three Months and No. 1 Race Turns

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters with his knee still not ready. He has not played since July, and Alexander Zverev now leads the Race to Turin by 800 points.

Hard tennis court at night under stadium lights with a glowing LED advertising board changing colour along the back wall, editorial graphic
Tennis

Djokovic Calls Rule 'Stupid' After Zverev's Video Review Replays a Point at the China Open

Novak Djokovic called a video-review rule 'stupid' after Alexander Zverev won a replayed point over an LED board change at the China Open in Beijing.

Tennis court diagram for explaining deuce and advantage
Tennis

What Is Deuce in Tennis? Score, Advantage, and Tiebreaks

Deuce in tennis means both players have reached 40, so one player must win two straight points to take the game.

Tennis court prepared for a perfect golden set
Tennis

What Is a Golden Set in Tennis? The 24-Point Perfect Set

A golden set is a tennis set won without dropping a single point, requiring 24 consecutive points in a standard six-games-to-love set.

Tennis players competing in a long-format match
Tennis

Three-Set vs Five-Set Tennis: Format and Strategy

Best-of-three and best-of-five tennis matches differ in length, recovery demands, tactics and tournament use.

Tennis court lines illustrating electronic line calling
Tennis

What Is Hawk-Eye in Tennis? How Electronic Line Calling Works

Hawk-Eye uses multiple cameras and ball-tracking software to judge whether a tennis shot landed in or out.

Empty tennis court before a match, illustrating a walkover
Tennis

Walkover vs Retirement in Tennis: What Is the Difference?

A walkover happens before a match begins; a retirement happens after play starts. The distinction affects results, records and tournament administration.

Tennis court viewed from the center as players change ends
Tennis

Why Do Tennis Players Change Ends?

Tennis players change ends to keep conditions fair when sun, wind, court wear and other environmental factors affect play.

Close-up of a player's hand holding a tennis racket in the continental grip on bevel 2 of the handle
Tennis

Continental Grip in Tennis: How to Hold It and When to Use It

The continental grip places the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 2 of the racket handle. It is the grip for serves, volleys, slices, and overheads. Here is how to find it and drill it.

Close-up of a hand holding a tennis racket in the eastern forehand grip with the index knuckle on bevel 3
Tennis

Eastern Grip in Tennis: The Bevel-3 Forehand Explained

The eastern grip in tennis places your index knuckle on bevel 3 for a flat, versatile forehand. Learn how to find it, its pros and cons, and who uses it.

A tennis player arching back to brush up the back of the ball on a kick serve
Tennis

How to Hit a Kick Serve: Grip, Toss, and Brush-Up Technique

To hit a kick serve, use a continental grip, toss the ball over your head and slightly left, and brush the racket up the back of the ball from 7 to 1 o'clock while driving with your legs. Here is the full step-by-step.

Tennis player hitting a two-handed backhand with the racket finishing over the shoulder
Tennis

How to Hit a Tennis Backhand: Grip, Turn, Contact, and Drills

To hit a tennis backhand, turn your shoulders early, load with an Eastern backhand or two-handed grip, swing low-to-high, and make contact out in front of your front hip.

A tennis player hitting a topspin forehand with a low-to-high swing and contact point out in front
Tennis

How to Hit a Tennis Forehand: Grip, Swing, and Topspin

How to hit a tennis forehand: use a Semi-Western or Eastern grip, turn your shoulders early, drop the racket below the ball, and swing low-to-high to contact out front.

A tennis player swinging low-to-high and brushing up the back of the ball to generate topspin
Tennis

How to Hit Topspin in Tennis: The Low-to-High Swing, Grip, and Drills

To hit topspin in tennis, use a semi-western grip and swing low-to-high so the racket brushes up the back of the ball. Here is the grip, swing path, contact point, and drills that build heavy spin on both wings.

A player wrapping a fresh white overgrip up the handle of a tennis racket from the butt cap
Tennis

How to Regrip a Tennis Racket: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to regrip a tennis racket: peel the old grip, start at the butt cap, wrap upward at a slight angle with a small overlap, and finish with the tape. Full steps for both replacement grips and overgrips.

A player's hand holding a tennis racket with the index knuckle on bevel 4 for a semi-western forehand grip
Tennis

Semi-Western Grip in Tennis: The Modern Topspin Forehand Grip

The semi-western grip places your index knuckle on bevel 4 and is the standard modern topspin forehand grip. Here is how it works, who uses it, and how to switch from an eastern grip.

A beginner rallying inside the service boxes during a mini-tennis drill on a hard court
Tennis

10 Best Tennis Drills for Beginners to Learn Fast

The best tennis drills for beginners start with mini-tennis inside the service boxes, then add drop-feed rallies, target cones, and wall drills. Here are 10 drills ranked by what they build.

A tennis player performing a split-step at the baseline during a footwork drill
Tennis

9 Best Tennis Footwork Drills to Move Faster and Hit Cleaner (Ranked)

Nine tennis footwork drills ranked by what they fix: split-step reaction, lateral coverage, explosive change of direction, and recovery. Move faster, hit cleaner.

A hand holding a tennis racket handle with an index finger measuring the grip size gap
Tennis

Tennis Grip Size Guide: How to Measure and Choose (US Sizes)

A tennis grip size guide: measure with the index-finger test or a ruler, match it to the US L0–L5 scale (4 to 4-5/8 in), and size down when you plan to add an overgrip.

A tennis player's hand demonstrating the continental grip on the numbered handle bevels
Tennis

Tennis Grips Explained: The 4 Grips and When to Use Each

Tennis grips explained simply: the Continental (bevel 2) serves and volleys, Eastern (bevel 3) hits flat forehands, Semi-Western (bevel 4) adds topspin, and Western (bevel 5) is extreme spin. Here is how to form each and when to switch.

Tennis player at the net punching a forehand volley with a continental grip, racket head up and contact out in front
Tennis

Tennis Volley Technique: Grip, Punch, and Footwork to Win the Net

Master tennis volley technique with a continental grip, a short punch instead of a swing, a split-step, and contact out in front. Step-by-step form plus drills.

Aerial view of an ochre red clay tennis court with hand-painted white lines and visible ball marks near the baseline
Tennis

Clay Court Tennis: Surface, Rules, and Why It Plays So Slow

Clay court tennis is the slowest surface with the highest bounce. See red vs. green clay, sliding, ball marks, upkeep, and why Nadal owns it.

A tennis player serving and volleying on a freshly mown grass court at Wimbledon
Tennis

Grass Court Tennis: Why the Fastest Surface Plays So Different

Grass court tennis is the fastest, lowest-bouncing surface in the sport, per ITF's own pace rating. How Wimbledon's ryegrass shapes serve-and-volley play.

Overhead view of a blue and green acrylic hard tennis court showing the true, consistent surface used at hard-court tournaments
Tennis

Hard Court Tennis: Construction, Speed, and Why It's the Most Common Surface

Hard court tennis is played on rigid acrylic-coated asphalt or concrete, the medium-fast, most consistent surface used at the US Open and Australian Open.

Labeled diagram showing the parts of a tennis racket: head, strings, grommets, throat, shaft, beam, handle, grip, and butt cap
Tennis

Parts of a Tennis Racket: Every Component and Spec Explained

The parts of a tennis racket are the head, strings, grommets, throat, shaft, beam, handle, grip, butt cap, and bumper guard. Full guide with specs.

Diagram of a tennis court with the baseline, sidelines, service line, centre service line and centre mark labelled
Tennis

Tennis Court Lines Explained: Every Line, Named and Defined

Tennis court lines explained: baseline, sidelines, service line, centre service line, centre mark and net — ITF dimensions, singles vs doubles, in/out rule.

Diagram showing tennis net height at the centre strap versus the net posts
Tennis

Tennis Net Height: Official ITF Measurements at Centre and Posts

A tennis net is 3 ft (0.914 m) high at the centre and 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) at the posts, per the ITF Rules of Tennis. Full specs, measuring trick, and singles sticks.

Close-up of a tennis racket string bed being tightened on a stringing machine, showing the crossed main and cross strings
Tennis

Tennis String Tension: Full Guide to Power, Control, and What to Choose

Tennis string tension typically runs 40-65 lbs (18-30 kg). Lower tension adds power and comfort; higher tension adds control. Full guide by string type.

Split image showing the four tennis court surfaces side by side: blue hard court, red clay court, green grass court, and blue carpet court
Tennis

Types of Tennis Courts: Hard, Clay, Grass & Carpet Explained

The 4 types of tennis courts are hard, clay, grass, and carpet. See how each changes speed and bounce, and which surface every Grand Slam uses.

Close-up of a fuzzy optic-yellow tennis ball resting on a tennis court, showing the raised wool-nylon nap
Tennis

Why Do Tennis Balls Have Fuzz? The Real Aerodynamic Reason

Why do tennis balls have fuzz? The wool-nylon nap doubles aerodynamic drag, slows the ball, grips spin, and meets ITF's 56.0-59.4g spec.

Tennis player hitting a delicate drop shot with an open racquet face just over the net
Tennis

Drop Shot in Tennis: Technique, Timing, and When to Use It

A drop shot in tennis is a soft, backspin-heavy stroke that just clears the net and dies short. Learn the grip, disguise, and when to hit it.

Tennis player hitting a high arcing lob shot over an opponent at the net
Tennis

Lob in Tennis: Definition, Technique, and When to Use It

A lob in tennis is a high, arcing shot hit over an opponent at the net. Learn the offensive vs. defensive lob, technique, and its counter, the smash.

Tennis player striking an overhead smash above their head near the net
Tennis

Overhead Shot in Tennis: How to Hit the Smash (Complete Guide)

The overhead shot in tennis is a serve-like swing hit above the head to put away a lob. Learn the technique, footwork, and common errors.

A tennis player hitting a one-handed backhand slice with an open racket face and a high-to-low swing on a hard court
Tennis

Slice in Tennis: How the Underspin Shot Works and When to Use It

A slice in tennis is a backspin shot hit with a high-to-low swing and open racket face that stays low and skids. Grip, technique, and tactics explained.

Tennis player hitting a backhand groundstroke on a hard court
Tennis

Backhand in Tennis: One-Handed vs Two-Handed, Grips, and Mechanics Explained

The backhand in tennis is a stroke hit on the non-dominant side; here's how one-handed vs two-handed grips, topspin, and slice mechanics differ.

Tennis player striking a forehand groundstroke with a semi-western grip and topspin swing path
Tennis

Forehand in Tennis Explained: Grips, Swing Path, and Technique

The forehand in tennis is the groundstroke hit on a player's dominant-hand side. Learn grips, swing mechanics, topspin, and common mistakes.

Diagram-style photo collage showing a tennis player hitting a forehand, backhand, serve, and volley
Tennis

Types of Tennis Shots: The Complete Guide to Every Stroke

The main types of tennis shots are groundstrokes, the serve, volleys, and specialty shots like the slice, lob, smash, and drop shot.

Tennis player at the net punching a forehand volley with a continental grip and short backswing
Tennis

What Is a Volley in Tennis? Grip, Technique, and When to Attack the Net

A volley in tennis is a shot hit before the ball bounces, usually at the net. Learn grip, punch technique, and forehand vs. backhand volley form.

Highest-paid tennis players by prize money, led by Novak Djokovic
Tennis

Highest-Paid Tennis Players: Prize Money and Earnings

Novak Djokovic leads all tennis players in career prize money, over $185M. The full list, plus who earns most once endorsements are counted.

Spectators watching a match on a show court at the Wimbledon Championships
Tennis

How Much Are Wimbledon Tickets?

How much Wimbledon tickets cost in 2026: the public ballot, resale, Ground passes, on-the-day queue and Debentures explained, with typical price ranges.

A professional female tennis player serving on a hard court during a Grand Slam night session
Tennis

Highest-Paid Female Tennis Players: Pay Explained

Highest-paid female tennis players: prize money vs endorsements, the Grand Slam equal-pay history, where pay is still not equal, and the career money leaders.

A yellow tennis ball resting on the baseline of a clay court next to a plain bagel, soft morning light — a visual pun on a 6-0 set
Tennis

What Is a Bagel in Tennis? 6-0 Sets Explained

A bagel in tennis means winning a set 6-0. Learn the term's origin, what a double bagel and golden set are, and how rare each one is.

A hand-sketched tournament draw bracket on paper beside a tennis ball and racket, natural light
Tennis

What Is Seeding in Tennis? How Seeds Work

Seeding in tennis ranks top players in a draw so they avoid each other early. Learn how seeds are set, why there are 32, and what a seed guarantees.

Fans in the stands at Center Court, Lindner Family Tennis Center, during the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament
Tennis

Cincinnati Masters Tennis Tickets: Prices and How to Buy Them

Cincinnati Masters tickets run about $9 for early rounds to $300+ for Center Court finals. Real 2026 session prices, packages, and how to buy them.

Fans filling the grandstand at Stadium 1, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, during the BNP Paribas Open
Tennis

Indian Wells Masters Tickets: Prices and How to Buy Them

Indian Wells Masters (BNP Paribas Open) tickets start near $10 for qualifying and top $400 for finals. Here is the real price breakdown and buying guide.

Centre Court at Wimbledon packed for a singles final, with the scoreboard and Royal Box visible
Tennis

How to Get Wimbledon Finals Tickets (and What They Cost)

Wimbledon finals tickets cost £240–£315 through the ballot but $8,000+ on resale. Here is why, the real odds, and how to plan for 2027.

Fans on Henman Hill watching Wimbledon on the big screen with the outer courts behind them
Tennis

Wimbledon Ground Tickets: Price, Access, How to Get One

Wimbledon ground tickets cost £33 (£21-£26 in week two) and get you onto Courts 3-18, not Centre Court. What you actually see, and how to queue for one.

Empty Centre Court seats in the debenture holders' section at Wimbledon before a match
Tennis

Wimbledon Debentures Explained: Price and How to Buy

What a Wimbledon tennis debenture is, why Centre Court seats now resell above £380,000, and how to legally buy or sell one in 2026.

Fans queuing with tents in Wimbledon Park for The Queue, with Centre Court in the background
Tennis

Wimbledon Tennis Tickets: How Much They Cost and How to Get Them

Wimbledon tickets run £21 for a Grounds Pass to £315+ for Centre Court finals. Here is how the public ballot, The Queue, and official resale actually work.

A tennis player serving with the ball crossing the net, representing a serve fault
Tennis

Fault vs Double Fault in Tennis: What's the Difference?

A fault is one missed serve; a double fault is two in a row, which hands the point to your opponent. Here's exactly how serving faults work.

A tennis ball clipping the net cord during a serve, representing a let call
Tennis

What Is a Let in Tennis? Rules and When It's Replayed

A let in tennis replays a serve or point. Learn when it applies, how first and second serves restart, and when a net cord stays live.

Tennis player striking a return on a key point, illustrating a break point
Tennis

What Is a Break Point in Tennis?

A break point is a point that, if won by the returner, wins the game against the server. Here is what it means, why it matters so much, and related terms.

A tennis player serving during a tiebreak with the scoreboard showing 6-6
Tennis

How Does a Tiebreak Work in Tennis?

A tennis tiebreak decides a set locked at 6-6. First to 7 points wins, but you must lead by two. Here's scoring, serving order, and when tiebreaks happen.

How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Buyer's Guide for All Levels
Tennis

How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Buyer's Guide for All Levels

Choosing a tennis racket depends on your skill, style, and build. Beginners want larger heads and lighter frames; pros prefer control and heavier weight.

Why Do Tennis Players Grunt? The Science Behind It
Tennis

Why Do Tennis Players Grunt? The Science Behind It

Tennis players grunt because the sharp exhale at ball contact stabilises the core, releases tension and can boost power. It's a habit from early training.

Best Tennis Courts in the World: Iconic Venues and Surfaces
Tennis

Best Tennis Courts in the World: 10 Iconic Venues, Ranked

The 10 most iconic tennis courts on the planet, ranked — Centre Court, Philippe-Chatrier, Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver Arena and more, with capacities and surfaces.

Benefits of Playing Tennis: Health, Mental, and Social Gains
Tennis

Benefits of Playing Tennis: Health, Mental, and Social Gains

Tennis offers a full-body workout, sharp mental engagement, and lifelong social connection. Here are the key benefits of playing tennis at any age or level.

How Much Do Tennis Courts Cost to Build? (2023 Guide)
Tennis

How Much Do Tennis Courts Cost to Build? (2023 Guide)

Building a private tennis court typically costs $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on surface, site prep, fencing, and lighting. Hard courts are the cheapest.

What Is Tennis Elbow? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Tennis

What Is Tennis Elbow? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful overuse injury of the tendons outside the elbow. Despite its name, many who never play tennis get it.

Best Tennis Academies in the World: Where Champions Are Made
Tennis

Best Tennis Academies in the World: Where Champions Are Made

The world's top tennis academies ranked on alumni, coaching and facilities — plus what a full year at IMG or the Rafa Nadal Academy actually costs to attend.

Why Are Tennis Balls Pressurized? The Science Explained
Tennis

Why Are Tennis Balls Pressurized? The Science Explained

Tennis balls are pressurized with air or nitrogen to give them their bounce and feel. The pressure keeps the rubber core firm so the ball rebounds fast.

How Much Does a Tennis Ball Weigh? Official Specs Explained
Tennis

How Much Does a Tennis Ball Weigh? Official Specs Explained

A standard tennis ball must weigh 56.0 to 59.4 g (1.975-2.095 oz) under ITF rules, and meet strict diameter and bounce limits for approved pro play.

What Is an Ace in Tennis? Definition and Why It Matters
Tennis

What Is an Ace in Tennis? Definition and Why It Matters

An ace in tennis is a legal serve that lands in the service box untouched by the receiver, winning the point outright. It is a server's top weapon.

Diagram of a regulation tennis court showing the 78 foot length, 36 foot doubles width, 27 foot singles width and surrounding run-off space
Tennis

Tennis Court Dimensions and Space Needed

Official tennis court dimensions: 78 ft long, 36 ft wide for doubles, 27 ft for singles, plus total space needed, net height, lines and run-off.

How to Hold a Tennis Racket: 5 Grips Every Player Should Know
Tennis

How to Hold a Tennis Racket: 5 Grips Every Player Should Know

How you hold a tennis racket shapes your swing, spin, and reach. The five main grips are Continental, Eastern, Semi-Western, Western, and two-handed.

Who Invented Tennis? The History and Origins of the Sport
Tennis

Who Invented Tennis? The History and Origins of the Sport

Modern tennis was invented by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, who patented the lawn game Sphairistike in 1874. The first Wimbledon followed in 1877.

Greatest Female Tennis Players of All Time: The Definitive List
Tennis

Greatest Female Tennis Players of All Time: The Definitive List

Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Margaret Court ranked by majors, weeks at No. 1, and dominance — the women's tennis GOAT case settled.

How Many Sets Are There in Tennis? A Complete Guide
Tennis

How Many Sets Are There in Tennis? A Complete Guide

Most pro tennis matches are best-of-three sets, so the first to win two sets wins. Grand Slam men's singles use best-of-five, needing three sets to win.

Tallest female tennis players in WTA history serving on a hard court
Tennis

Tallest Female Tennis Players: WTA Heights in 2026

See the tallest female tennis players and current WTA heights, including Rybakina at 6'0", Sabalenka at 5'11" and the 6'3" record holders.

How Does Tennis Scoring Work? Points, Games, Sets Explained
Tennis

How Does Tennis Scoring Work? Points, Games, Sets Explained

Tennis scoring runs 15, 30, 40, game; games build into sets and sets into a match. See a clear breakdown of how tennis scoring works at every level.

How Tall Is a Tennis Net? Official Height and Dimensions
Tennis

How Tall Is a Tennis Net? Official Height and Dimensions

A tennis net is 91.4 cm (3 ft) tall at the centre and 107 cm (3 ft 6 in) at the posts. These ITF measurements apply to all sanctioned tennis play.

What Is Deuce in Tennis? Scoring Rules Fully Explained
Tennis

What Is Deuce in Tennis? Scoring Rules Fully Explained

Deuce in tennis is the 40-40 score where both players are tied and one must win two straight points to win the game. It repeats until someone leads by two.

What Is a Walkover in Tennis? Rules and Examples
Tennis

What Is a Walkover in Tennis? Rules and Examples

A walkover in tennis happens when a player wins without playing because the opponent withdraws before the match starts. It differs from a retirement.

Composite of the greatest men's tennis players holding Grand Slam trophies
Tennis

Greatest Tennis Players of All Time (Men's)

A ranked look at the greatest men's tennis players ever, from the Big Three of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer to Laver, Sampras and Borg, updated for 2026.

How to Serve in Tennis: Technique, Stance, and Tips
Tennis

How to Serve in Tennis: Technique, Stance, and Tips

A tennis serve starts with the right grip, ball toss, and swing. This guide breaks down each step so you can build a consistent, powerful serve fast.

What Color Is a Tennis Ball? The Science Behind the Yellow-Green
Tennis

What Color Is a Tennis Ball? The Science Behind the Yellow-Green

Tennis balls are officially optic yellow, a shade between yellow and green. It was adopted in 1972 to improve visibility on colour television broadcasts.