Tennis Court Surfaces Explained: How Clay, Hard, and Grass Change Your Gear Needs

The Three Main Surfaces

Hard Court (Acrylic)

The most common surface worldwide and the standard in the US, Australia, and Asia. Hard courts use an acrylic surface over concrete or asphalt. The US Open and Australian Open are played on hard courts (though different speeds — the US Open is slightly faster).

• Speed: Medium to fast (varies by surface texture)
• Bounce: Medium-high, consistent and predictable
• Surface wear: Most abrasive — wears shoes and strings fastest
• Playing style: Rewards all-around game

Clay Court

Crushed brick (red clay, used at the French Open) or green clay (Har-Tru, common in the US Southeast). Clay courts are slower, produce higher bounces, and favor baseline players with heavy topspin.

• Speed: Slow
• Bounce: High — the ball kicks up significantly
• Surface wear: Low — gentlest on shoes and strings
• Playing style: Rewards patience, topspin, fitness

Grass Court

The original tennis surface (Wimbledon). Grass courts are fast, produce low skidding bounces, and favor serve-and-volley players. Rare outside of the UK, Australia, and a few US clubs.

• Speed: Fast
• Bounce: Low and irregular — the ball stays low and can skid
• Surface wear: Moderate — specialized shoes required
• Playing style: Rewards big serves, net play, flat hitting

Ball Behavior by Surface

Court-Specific Shoes

This is the #1 gear change you should make when switching surfaces. Wearing the wrong shoes on a specific surface is both dangerous (slipping) and against club rules (court damage). See our full tennis shoe guide for detailed recommendations.

Hard Court Shoes

Maximum durability outsole (modified herringbone pattern). Hard courts eat shoes — a serious player can wear through a pair in 2-3 months. Look for 6-month outsole guarantees (Nike, adidas, ASICS offer these).

Clay Court Shoes

Full herringbone outsole pattern that allows controlled sliding while gripping when you plant. Clay shoes are NOT allowed on hard courts (they wear too fast) and hard court shoes are NOT allowed on clay (they damage the surface).

Grass Court Shoes

Dimpled or pimpled rubber outsole (similar to football boots). Required at grass court clubs to prevent surface damage. Most players only need these if they play at a grass court facility.

String Adjustments by Surface

Surface speed should influence your string choice and tension:

For more on string selection, see our string guide and restring timing guide.

How Surface Changes Strategy and Equipment Setup

Hard Court Setup

The most versatile setup. Medium-weight racket (300-310g), poly or hybrid strings at mid-tension, hard court shoes. This is the "default" configuration and what most equipment is designed for.

Clay Court Adjustments

• String 1-2 lbs tighter for control (slower surface = more time)
• Consider slightly heavier racket for plow-through on slow balls
• Clay-specific shoes are mandatory
• Carry extra overgrips — clay dust makes grips slick faster

Grass Court Adjustments

• String 1-2 lbs looser for power (low bounce = need help generating depth)
• Consider gut or multi for extra power
• Lighter racket helps with quick reactions at net
• Grass shoes required

Understanding your racket specs helps you fine-tune for each surface.

Sources & Further Reading

1. ITF. "ITF Approved Tennis Balls, Classified Surfaces and Recognised Courts." itftennis.com, 2025.
2. Tennis Warehouse University. "Surface Speed Classification." twu.tennis-warehouse.com.
3. USTA. "Facility and Court Surface Guide." usta.com, 2025.
4. ASICS. "Court Surface Shoe Technology Guide." asics.com, 2025.
5. Tennis Magazine. "Surface-Specific Strategy Guide." 2024.