Court Surface

The tennis court surface can have a great impact on how a tennis player performs. Most recreational players will be exposed to hardcourts, as they are the most available, but let's not forget the other 2 popular surfaces; clay and grass.

Other court surfaces include carpet and wood, but they are much less popular and not used in professional tennis.

Hardcourt

Hardcourt Surface

This is the predominant surface on the professional tour. They are durable and weather resistant. If there is an outdoor court it is most likely a hard court. They are able to dry off quickly.

The foundation of a hard court is either concrete or asphalt. Multiple layers of synthetic material are then placed over the foundation. These layers come a variety of colors.

A hardcourt can play medium to fast depending on how it is constructed. The speed of a court is how fast the ball travels when making contact with the surface. Hardcourts absorb little energy from the ball upon contact, meaning the balls bounce high and fast.

Indoor courts will often be hardcourt. The layers can be rubber or a synthetic resin.

The US Open and Australian open both use hardcourt surfaces.

Clay 

Clay Surface

Clay courts are softer than hardcourts. They are made with a hard base, such as limestone and then a small layer of either crushed shale, stone or brick. Clay courts are not actually made with clay.

This surface allows for sliding and the speed of the court is more unpredictable. The surface changes with play. Movement and sliding moves the surface. The ball's bounce heavily depends on how much the court has already been played on.

Clay courts are known to play slow. The balls bounce high, but slower than hardcourts. Because of this, rallies are likely to last longer. It is more difficult to hit winners.

The French Open (Roland Garros) uses red clay courts. 

Grass

Grass Surface

Grass courts are most popular in Britain. They are usually made with 100% rye grass on tightly packed soil.

These courts play fast. The ball bounces low and very fast. Points are usually faster on grass courts because of the low bounce.

This surface is slippery and changes with use like clay courts. After much play the grass will often be worn and dirt will be visible.

Wimbledon is one of the few tournaments that uses grass courts.