text: Since you alreay know how to use a computer, I'm very surprised you haven't used a search engine like Google or Yahoo to locate the Official Rules of Tennis online, and answer this question yourself.\n\nIf you have further questions about tennis rules, you should find it helpful to visit the USTA's (United States Tennis Association) website.\n\nHERE IS THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION - - - -\n\nThe Official Rules of Tennis give the following 3 options to the coin toss (or racquet spin):\n\n1. Choice of Serving or Receiving -\n\nIt's considered an advantage to serve first because a speedy ball is difficult for an opponent to return.\n\nIf you have a consistent and fast and/or tricky serve, which makes you more likely to win the opening game of the match, then definitely serve first because you gain the psychological advantage of holding serve.\n\nIf you have a weak serve, and are more likely to lose the opening game of the match, which is a definite psychological disadvantage, then definitely receive first.\n\n2. Choice of Side -\n\nOften, the choice of side makes no difference. In fact, if you're playing tennis indoors, there's generally no difference at all because there are no climatic conditions to affect your match.\n\nHowever, it is possible, although quite atypical, that there are other factors to influence your decision. This could include having something in the background behind the baseline that makes it difficult to see the ball well.\n\nMost of the time, a meaningful difference occurs when you're playing tennis outdoors and unfavorable weather conditions warrant making a choice.\n\nOne unfavorable condition is having the sun low in the sky and shining in your eyes, making it difficult for you to see. In this case, it's best to choose the side not facing the sun, even if it means relinquishing your serve to your opponent. After all, you wouldn't want to lose the psychological advantage of winning the opening game.\n\nAnother unfavorable condition occurs when the wind is blowing so strongly that it makes it difficult to keep the ball in. Unfortunately, there are many differing opinions on what to do in this case.\n\nIn my opinion, if you're good at generating topspin, I'd say it would be best to have the wind at your back, thereby giving you extra speed on both your serve and groundstrokes.\n\n3. Choice given to Opponent -\n\nMost tennis players don't actually know the Official Rules of Tennis and, therefore, aren't aware of this choice.\n\nI'm a decisive person, so I always prefer to make a choice when it's warranted. If making a choice isn't truly warranted, then don't worry... it doesn't matter anyway!\n\nSPECIAL NOTE #1: Please don't make the mistake of combining Choices 1 and 2. The two choices are kept completely separate because it would be completely unfair to choose to serve with the wind behind you.\n\nSPECIAL NOTE #2: Don't worry about making a mistake when it comes to making a choice. After all, tennis players change sides every other game which tends to even things out. In fact, it's only the opening game that's affected by the choices. Still, in the case of a hotly contested match between players of more or less equal skills, this could make a difference.\n\nSPECIAL NOTE #3: It's a very sad fact that the vast majority of tennis players haven't read the Official Rules of Tennis and, therefore, make mistakes about the rules more often than not.\n\nDo yourself a favor... Read the rules!