The tennis net is one of the essential components of tennis court equipment; here we will explain a few facts about tennis nets.
Mass
The distance between the tennis net posts on the tennis court is 12.70 m, thus determining the length of the tennis net.
A tennis net should be 91.4 cm high in the middle and 107 cm high at the edges. On a doubles court, which is standard in 99% of cases, the tennis net should extend at least 91.4 cm laterally beyond the playing area.
For a singles match, the tennis net is raised to the required 107 cm using so-called singles net supports, positioned 91.4 cm outside the singles lines. This means measuring 91.4 cm outwards from the outer sideline and placing the singles net support there.
The mesh size of tennis nets is normally 45 mm, but there are also tennis nets with a 40 mm mesh size, in which practically no ball can get stuck in the net.
material
Tennis nets today are mostly made of polyethylene, which is characterized by good temperature resistance, UV resistance and durability.
Good tennis nets are hand-knotted so that the knots are perfectly positioned and the tennis net is not stretched too tightly.
The top 4-7 rows are often doubled to increase durability and ball permeability in this area. This is where fast-moving balls, such as serves, typically hit the net. Double rows reinforce the tennis net at this high-stress point.
The upper white mesh trim is usually made of polyester and is sewn several times to ensure it lasts a long time.
A plastic-coated steel cable is usually used for tensioning, which can withstand the enormous pull between the tennis net posts.
Differences between tennis nets
Tennis nets mostly differ in the thickness of the polyethylene cord from which they are woven. Common thicknesses range from 2.5 to 4.0 mm; nets thinner than this are likely to break quickly, while those thicker than this appear quite robust.
Our recommendation is a tennis net with a thickness of 3.2 or 3.4 mm, which in our opinion represents the best compromise between durability, appearance and playability.
Another distinguishing feature is a plastic edging along the sides and, if applicable, at the bottom of the net, which may also be reinforced laterally, for example with fiberglass. Other tennis nets have a 6 mm braided cord binding along the sides and bottom, which protects the net from tearing.