Tennis

The top tennis players in New Zealand in 2024 are as follows:

Male

1.  Statham, Rubin
2.  Rai, Ajeet
3. Pannu, Kiranpal
4. Becroft, Isaac
5. Watt, James
6. Klintcharov, Alexander
7. Loutit, Jack  
8. Crowther, Corban   
9.  Reynolds, Finn   
10. Stoupe, George

Women

1.  Barry, Monique
2.  Routliffe, Erin
3. Otway, Jade
4. Yang, Vivian
5. Tse, Elyse
6. Hourigan, Paige Mary
7. Adams, Sarah
8. Anderson Scott, Erin
9. Antsupova, Katie
10. Atkinson, Sade

Tennis has specific rules and etiquette that players are expected to follow, including fair play, respect for opponents, officials, and spectators, and adherence to the game’s rules. Violations can result in penalties, warnings, or even disqualification.

Tennis uses a unique scoring system with terms like “love,” “15,” “30,” and “40.” The first player or team wins a game to reach four points with a two-point advantage. A set is composed of games, and a match is typically decided by the best of three sets for women and the best of five sets for men in professional matches.

 If a player believes their opponent hindered them during a point (e.g., opponent’s shout or movement), they can stop play and request a let to replay the point.

In some cases, when the set score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak may be played to determine the winner of the set. A tiebreak involves serving points and is played to seven points, with a two-point advantage required to win.

According to the ATP, players who violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick, or throw a tennis ball while on the grounds of the tournament site will be disqualified. 

TRADITIONAL PLAYING POSITIONS

In tennis, two traditional playing positions or sides are “singles” and “doubles.” Each has its own court dimensions and strategies. Here’s an overview of both positions:

Singles:

• In singles, there are two players on the court, one on each side of the net.

• Players must cover the entire court by themselves, which requires more running and individual shot-making skills.

Doubles:

• In doubles, four players are on the court, with two players on each side of the net, forming two teams.

• Players have a partner to help cover the court and work together.

• Doubles strategy often involves effective teamwork, communication, and coordinated net play. Partners typically take different roles, with one player serving and the other covering the net or the baseline, depending on the situation.

In both singles and doubles, players must serve and return serves, rally back and forth, and aim to win points by making their opponent(s) miss shots or by hitting winners. 

THE MODERN GAME

The modern game of tennis has evolved significantly over the years, with changes in equipment, playing styles, and rules. 

Tennis equipment has significantly advanced, and racquets are now made of lightweight, durable materials like graphite or carbon fibre. Tennis balls are now made with a pressurized core for consistent bounce and durability and are covered in felt. And players often use specially designed tennis shoes for better traction on various court surfaces. Tennis strings have also advanced, providing players with more power and control. 

Modern players are typically in excellent physical condition and focus on strength, speed, agility, and endurance.

The introduction of technology, such as the Hawk-Eye system, has allowed for more accurate line-calling. This technology is often used in professional tennis to challenge disputed calls.

Tennis has made efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity, and players from various backgrounds have risen to prominence, contributing to the sport’s global appeal.

ADDITIONAL RULES OF TENNIS

There are some additional rules and guidelines that govern various aspects of the game. 

They include:

•  A warm-up period allowing players to practice their strokes.
• Players are typically allowed a brief rest period between sets, usually around 2 minutes.
• Players are allowed medical timeouts for injuries or medical issues, but these are subject to certain time limits and restrictions.
• There are specific regulations regarding the size and stringing pattern of tennis racquets, including maximum length, maximum head size, and maximum string density.
• Players must adhere to specific clothing regulations, including proper tennis shoes, and they are often required to wear clothing with appropriate logos and sponsorships.

The history of tennis dates back several centuries. The game has evolved from various forms of early racket sports into the modern sport we know today. It’s believed to have originated in France during the 12th century and was initially played with bare hands, with players using their palms to hit the ball.

The game gradually evolved, and by the 16th century, rackets were introduced, with the game played indoors in enclosed courtyards.

Today, tennis is a global sport played at various levels. It is known for its Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, the most prestigious professional tennis events.

Tennis is also part of the Olympic Games, with men’s and women’s singles and doubles events.