Tennis is a game played between two individuals or two pairs on a rectangular court divided halfway by a standing net. Players take turns hitting a hollow rubber felt-covered ball across the net, into each other's sides of the court, with a racket. Players seek to win points by making valid shots that their opponents cannot legally return; faults and other rule infringements can also decide a point.

A standard tennis court is 23.77 meters long and either 8.23 meters wide (for singles) or 10.97 meters wide (for doubles). A margin of additional surface is also necessary beyond these boundaries. The playing surface may vary even in professional courts, with each surface giving advantages to certain styles of play. Clay, grass, concrete, and asphalt are the most common playing surfaces; in any case the material must allow the ball to bounce.

Tennis facilities may include spectator seating, concessions, locker rooms, press areas, and other supporting facilities in addition to the courts themselves.