Approximately 70% of the tennis courts constructed in the United States are "hard" tennis courts.  "Hard" courts are characterized as either asphalt or concrete tennis courts.  The advantages of hard courts over soft courts, such as clay tennis courts, is that they are low maintenance and have uniform play characteristics.

Hard tennis courts can be played on all year around, unless there is snow or ice on the courts.  Some courts in warmer humid areas may experience mildew or algae growth, but these can be removed with a herbicide or even bleach and water.  Hard courts can get dirty over time, but nothing that a pressure wash every couple of years can't fix.  No grooming or watering is required on asphalt tennis courts.  Asphalt tennis courts are ideal for owners looking for a low maintenance tennis court.

So what is the drawback of an asphalt tennis court?  Over time, the asphalt can become brittle and shrink, thereby making it susceptible to cracking.  As the asphalt tennis court is exposed to the elements, over time small hairline cracks will occur.  These cracks will increase in size as water and vegetation gets into the cracks so it is important to fill the cracks promptly.  Unfortunately there is no product on the market that will permanently fix cracks.  You or your contractor should fill the cracks but the cracks will eventually come back as the courts are more exposed to the elements.  This is the reason why the average lifespan of asphalt tennis courts is 12-15 years.  Applying tennis court coatings protects the courts and will aid in prolonging the lifespan of the tennis courts.

Great care should be taken in properly constructing the base of the tennis court.  If the base work is inadequate, the chances are that there will be movement and settlement under the asphalt which will lead to structural cracks on the tennis court.

It is also recommended that the net post footers be round instead of square.  Square corners can create stress points which may lead to the formation of cracks.  Ideally the net post sleeves should be set in concrete before paving the tennis courts.  The asphalt then can be paved over the concrete thereby allowing one continuous asphalt surface.