Section 2: Equipment
The Ball (ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 3)
The ball shall have a uniform outer surface and shall be white or yellow in colour. If there are any seams, they shall be stitchless.
- Diameter: More than 6.35 cm (2.500 inches) and less than 6.67 cm (2.625 inches)
- Mass: More than 56.0 g (1.975 oz) and less than 59.4 g (2.095 oz)
- Bounce: When dropped onto a concrete base from a height of 254 cm (100 inches), the ball shall rebound more than 134.62 cm (53 inches) and less than 147.32 cm (58 inches)
- Deformation (forward): More than 0.495 cm (0.195 inches) and less than 0.737 cm (0.290 inches)
- Deformation (return): More than 0.368 cm (0.145 inches) and less than 0.508 cm (0.200 inches)
The ITF specifies four types of balls for different playing conditions: Type 1 (fast-pace balls, for use on slower surfaces), Type 2 (medium-pace balls, the standard), Type 3 (slow-pace balls, for use on fast surfaces or at high altitude), and High Altitude balls (for use above 1,219 m / 4,000 feet). The choice of ball type is specified by the tournament or match organiser before play begins.
The Racket (ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 4)
Rackets not conforming to the specifications in Appendix II of the ITF Rules of Tennis 2026 may not be used in play approved or sanctioned by the ITF, the Grand Slam tournaments, the ITF Pro Circuit, or national associations. Key specifications include:
- Frame length: The hitting surface shall not exceed 39.37 cm (15.5 inches) in overall length, and the overall length of the frame shall not exceed 73.66 cm (29 inches)
- Frame width: The hitting surface shall not exceed 29.21 cm (11.5 inches) in overall width
- Stringing: The racket shall be strung with a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross. The stringing pattern shall be generally uniform and in particular not less dense in the centre than in any other area. 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.
- Power assist / embedded devices: The frame and stringing shall not provide any electrical, electronic, or mechanical assistance to the player. No energy source that could affect the flight of a ball shall be incorporated into the racket.
Approved Equipment Lists
The ITF maintains an approved ball list (updated quarterly) and an approved racket specifications register. Tournament organisers must use balls from the approved list. Players competing on the ITF Pro Circuit must use rackets that comply with Appendix II specifications, though racket frames are not individually pre-approved.