Tennis surfaces refer to the different materials used to create the playing area for tennis matches. The main types include grass, clay, and hard courts. Each surface affects the speed and style of play, influencing how the ball bounces and how players move. Grass courts are fast and favor serve-and-volley players, while clay courts slow down the ball and allow for longer rallies. Hard courts offer a balance between the two, providing a consistent bounce. Players often adapt their strategies based on the surface they are playing on, making surface choice an important aspect of the game.