Tennis world news
23
Sep
Handicap betting in tennis uses a numerical line to adjust the result for betting purposes. The line can give one player a positive handicap and the other a negative handicap.
This glossary explains handicap lines, plus handicaps, and minus handicaps with simple tennis examples.
Handicap Line in Tennis
A handicap line in tennis betting is the number used to adjust a player's games or sets for the purpose of settling a handicap market. It is usually shown with a plus (+) or minus (−) sign.
For example, a game handicap market could show:
Player A −3.5 games
Player B +3.5 games
The handicap is...
22
Sep
Tennis players use different equipment during matches and training sessions. This includes racquets, balls, shoes, strings, grips, and training tools. This guide explains common tennis equipment terms with clear definitions and practical examples.
Tennis Racquet
A tennis racquet is the main piece of equipment used to hit the ball. It has a frame, handle, and stringed hitting surface.
Practical example: Two racquets may look similar but have different weights, head sizes, and string patterns. These features can change how the racquet feels during play.JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
Tennis Ball
A tennis ball is the felt-covered ball used during a tennis match. Competition balls must meet specific standards...
21
Sep
Bridging the gap between entry-level competitions and the Masters 1000 series, ATP 500 tournaments are mid-tier events that hold sway in the men’s tennis calendar.
The 2026 ATP Tour calendar incorporates 16 ATP 500 events, and they are wide-ranging, taking place on hard, clay, and grass courts. Attracting a strong field, the ATP 500 series can provide a springboard for a player’s season.
Within this guide, we will tackle the importance of ATP 500 competitions. We have explored tournament list compositions, points breakdown, and how ATP 500 events compare with their Masters 1000 and ATP 250 counterparts.JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
What Are ATP 500 Tournaments?
Forming...
21
Sep
Considered to be one of the most prestigious series of events on the men’s professional tennis circuit, the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments have carved out a special place in the calendar.
Throughout the 2026 season, there are nine Masters 1000 tournaments spread across three continents — North America, Europe, and Asia. Rotating between hard and clay courts, these coveted events are often earmarked by the top players, so it’s worth doing well in them.
This guide will give you a full overview of the Masters 1000 framework, explaining the breakdown of ranking points, surfaces, and how they compare to Grand Slams...
21
Sep
Tennis matches follow a set of rules and officiating procedures. Officials, line calls, penalties, breaks, and match interruptions can all affect how a match develops. This guide explains common tennis rules and officiating terms with clear definitions and practical examples.
Chair Umpire in Tennis
A chair umpire in tennis is the official responsible for controlling a match from the umpire's chair. They announce the score, apply the rules, and make decisions during play.
Practical example: If there is a dispute during a match, the chair umpire can explain the decision and apply the relevant rule.JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
Tennis Referee
A referee in tennis oversees the application...
18
Sep
Tennis strategy includes the plans, decisions, and patterns players use during a match. This glossary explains common tennis strategy terms, from point construction and court positioning to serving and returning tactics.
Game Plan in Tennis
A game plan in tennis is the overall approach a player intends to use during a match. It can be based on their own strengths, the opponent's weaknesses, and the match conditions.JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
Pattern of Play in Tennis
A pattern of play in tennis is a sequence of shots or movements used to build a point. Players may repeat successful patterns during a match.
Point Construction in Tennis
Point construction in...
15
Sep
If you look at the way players hit tennis balls during matches, you can see differences in speed, direction and rotation. Tennis spins are mostly responsible for that, as they change how balls fly and bounce. Every player brushes the strings across the ball to make the ball rotate mid-air. That rotation changes the ball’s path, speed and how it behaves when it hits the ground.JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
Players rely on spin for control, as it can help the shot clear the net, attack, defend or simply keep the ball in play. Our guide explains the different kinds of tennis spin. It...
15
Sep
A proper tennis equipment list doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re a beginner, you can get on the court with just four essentials: a racket, balls, tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. That’s all you need to hit your first ball and start learning the game.
Once you’re playing more regularly, though, a few extras are helpful. For example, a proper tennis bag, overgrips for the rackets, spare strings, and sun protection. JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZqcy43YmV0LnBhcnRuZXJzJTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdC5waHAlM0ZwcmVmaXglM0RnMHRwcEFNSVpFbTdqUEZ6Ml9HckFXTmQ3WmdxZFJMayUyNmFtcCUzQm1lZGlhJTNENDczJTI2YW1wJTNCY2FtcGFpZ24lM0Q0MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRSUwQQ==Read on below to find out the essential tennis equipment list you need to start and things that are worth adding later (accessories).
Essential Tennis Equipment List
Equipment
Purpose
Tennis racket
Required to hit...
15
Sep
Tennis playing styles are the different approaches players use to win points. The style shapes the flow of the match and dictates how the action unfolds. The player’s style can dictate where they stand, how they react to different shots, how long rallies tend to run, and fallback tactics for when the pressure ramps up.
No two players can hit and play exactly the same way, but most will fall into one or more recognisable categories. If you understand them, you can read the match more easily, make more informed H2H predictions, and follow the tactics behind a rally. Sometimes...