Tennis is a racket sport that can be played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). The game is played on a rectangular court divided by a net, with players using a stringed racket to hit a lightweight ball over the net into the opponent’s side of the court. The objective is to score points by landing the ball in the opponent’s court in such a way that they cannot return it successfully.
Points are scored in a specific sequence, leading to games, sets, and ultimately the match. Players must follow specific rules regarding how the ball is served, how points are scored, and how they can return the ball. Tennis can be played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts, each affecting the speed and style of play. The sport is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is popular worldwide, encompassing professional tournaments like the Grand Slam events, as well as recreational play.
The Rio Open in Rio de Janeiro showcases intense tennis matchups under a sunny Brazilian sky. Alexander Zverev faces Alexander Shevchenko at 7 p.m. in their first competitive match, aiming…