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 objective is to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over a net into the opponent’s court, with the aim of landing the ball within the designated boundaries. Points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball within the allowed area.
Tennis matches are played on various surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard courts, each influencing the style of play. The game is governed by a set of standardized rules established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Tennis is notable for its scoring system, which includes points, games, sets, and matches, culminating in various prestigious tournaments, including four Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
The sport has a significant cultural presence and is played recreationally and professionally worldwide, appealing to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
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…