1. The Court
The Court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8 cm), the ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be not more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These posts shall not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the net cord. The centres of the posts shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the Court on each side and the height of the posts shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) above the ground.
When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) and singles Court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centres of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles Court on each side.
The net shall be extended fully so that it fills completely the space between the two posts and shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent the ball passing through. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (.914 m) at the centre, where it shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5 cm) wide and completely white in colour. There shall be a band covering the cord or metal cable and the top of the net of not less than 2 inches (5 cm) nor more than 21/2 inches (6.35 cm) in depth on each side and completely white in colour. There shall be no advertisement on the net, strap, band or singles sticks.
2. Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Footfault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective places.
3. The Ball
Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:
a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in colour. If there are any seams they shall be stitchless.
b. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.), Section iv (in 2001 Friend at Court) for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.
c. The ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) when dropped 100 inches (254.00 cm) upon a flat, rigid surface, e.g., concrete. The ball shall have a forward deformation of more than .220 of an inch (.559 cm) and less than .290 of an inch (.737 cm) and a return deformation of more than .315 of an inch (.800 cm) and less than .425 of an inch (1.080 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165 kg) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more than .030 of an inch (.076 cm) in each case.
d. For play above 4,000 feet (1219 m) in altitude above sea level, two additional types of ball may be used. The first type is identical to those described above except that the bound shall be more than 48 inches (121.92 cm) and less than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and the ball shall have an internal pressure that is greater than the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurised ball. The second type is identical to those described above except that they shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatised for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurised ball.
e. All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in accordance with the regulations in Appendix I (see 2001 Friend at Court).
f. The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
4. The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following specifications are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:
a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the centre than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilised solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
b. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66 cm) in overall length, including the handle. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 121/2 inches (31.75 cm) in overall width. The hitting surface shall not exceed 151/2 inches (39.37 cm) in overall length, and 111/2 inches (29.21 cm) in overall width.
c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices other than those utilised solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
d. The frame, including the handle and the strings, shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the racket during the playing of a point.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
Case 1. Can there be more than one set of strings on the hitting surface of racket?
Decision. No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern, and not patterns, of crossed strings.
Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a racket considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision. No.
Case 3. Can vibration dampening devices be placed on the strings of a racket and if so, where can they be placed?
Decision. Yes; but such devices may be placed only outside the pattern of crossed strings.
Case 4. In the course of play, a player accidentally breaks the strings of his racket. Can he continue to play with the racket in this condition?
Decision. Yes