When playing doubles in tennis, the section of the court used is wider than for singles. The doubles court includes the entire width of 36 feet (10.97 meters), compared to the singles court width of 27 feet (8.23 meters). This wider court includes the "doubles alleys," which are the additional alleys on each side of the singles court, about 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) wide. These alleys are only used in doubles matches, effectively expanding the court's width and allowing more space for volleys and angled shots, which are important in doubles play. The length of the court remains the same at 78 feet (23.77 meters) for both singles and doubles matches. The net is also extended to cover the wider doubles court, with net posts placed about 3 feet (0.91 meters) outside the doubles sidelines on each side. In summary, when playing doubles, the section of the tennis court used includes the entire court width of 36 feet, incorporating the doubles alleys alongside the singles lines, which are not used in singles play.
