- Please explain how in
game scoring 15 - 30 - 40 came from.
In the fifteenth century in Old French une
journee meant "a sport match", as well as "a
day", and the scoring system was based on the number of hours in a
day, and the number of minutes in an hour. Each match consisted of 24
games, which in turn consisted of four winning rallies worth 15 points
each. However, it was soon realized that when both sides were at 45
points each, it would be necessary to win two rallies as otherwise the
game might be decided on luck. But the total would exceed 60 points and
therefore also the number of minutes in an hour, so the score was
changed to 40-all with 10 points being given for each winning rally. If
there was a tie at 50 points all, the score would go back to 40-all. The
game could only be won by winning two rallies in a row. It was the same
with the game score. At 23 games all, it was necessary to win two games
in a row, or the score would be lowered to 22-all. As matches became too
long, the number of games played was lowered to 12 and later to 6.
- What happens if a service is made
from the wrong half of the court?
All play resulting from the service will stand, but the
moment the error is spotted the correct serving point should be taken up before the next
service.
- If I notice my opponent served from
wrong half of the court on his first service and it was a fault, does he have to complete
the service from that half of the court?
He should move to the correct half of the court
immediately, but has only one service left on that point.
- If my opponent serves and then I
realize it is my turn to serve what happens?
The fault should be rectified immediately, but all points
scored before the error was noticed shall count. However, if the error is noted after your
opponent has served a fault, the fault does not carry over to you when you become the
server.
- What about doubles? Surely it must
happen often that the wrong player serves? What happens then?
Well, it doesn't happen at the top level, but it does
happen in the local park. Once the error is discovered the correct sequence should be
reverted to and all points scored during the error shall count. The same applies if the
receivers take the service in the wrong order.
- If players go to the wrong ends
after changing service when should the error be rectified?
As soon as it is noticed. All points scored up to that time
shall count however.
- During an indoor game, the ball from
a service hits a rafter and then bounces into the correct service court. Is the service
good or not?
It would be a fault. Any ball that hits a permanent fixture
from the service is a fault. Permanent fixtures include such things as stands, permanent
seating and their occupants ... which could well be a judge!
- If the server throws the ball up and
then fails to hit it, is it a fault?
Yes. Just like in golf, it is a 'fresh air' shot, and
counts.
- If the server decides to abort the
serve after throwing the ball up, is it a fault?
No.
- Is a let called if the ball hits the
top of the net and goes into the correct court during a normal rally?
No. If can only be called a let at the service.
- Can I catch the ball on my racket?
Yes, you most probably can. But if you do the point goes to
your opponent!
- What happens if a ball becomes
damaged during a rally?
A let should be called and the point should be replayed.
- If I play a shot then deliberately
hit my racket on to the ground and distort the shape of it before returning the ball for a
winning shot do I still get the point?
No. You are not allowed to deliberately and materially
change the shape of your racket during the playing of a point. Mind you, if you have time
to damage your racket, and then play a winning shot you must be some player ...
- What happens if my racket becomes
damaged during a rally?
You will have to wait until the end of the point to change
it.
- If I play a shot that hits the
ground within the confines of the court and then hits the stop-netting at the back of the
court before my opponent can reach it, is it a winning point?
Yes. The same applies if the ball hits any other permanent
fixture, provided you hit a good ball into the opposing court first.
- If I return a ball and it hits the
net post and then does into the opposing court, does it count or is a let called?
It counts as a legitimate point.
- What would happen if my opponent
played a shot, it bounced in my half of the court and then the wind took it back over to
his side of the net?
You would be allowed to play the ball provided you did not
touch the net with your body, clothing or racket.
- What happens if my racket
accidentally slips out of my hand and hits the net, do I lose the point?
Yes, provided the ball is in play at the time. Mind you,
you were warned to take some talcum powder on to the court with you weren't you?
- Does a player have to be standing in
the court to make a shot?
No. He can be anywhere, except in his opponent's area of
the court.
- If I play a volley close to the net,
hit the ball in my half of the court, but then allow my racket to follow-through and go
over the net, am I penalized?
No, but again you must make sure you don't touch the net.
- Does a ball that hits another ball
lying on the court have to be played as a let?
No, the shot counts. Mind you, if it happened at Wimbledon
the umpire would certainly have a few choice words to say to the ball-boy!
- If I am hindered from playing my
shot is a let called?
Yes, unless you are hindered by a permanent fixture. Let's
say a pigeon flies across your sight just as you're about to play, that is certainly
outside interference.
- What exactly are 'permanent
fixtures'?
The laws of the game describe a permanent fixture thus:
'The net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cables, strap and band. Also, where there
are any: the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs around the
court, and their occupants, all other fixtures above and around the court, and the umpire,
net-cord judge, foot-fault judge, linesmen and ball-boys (or girls) when in their
respective places.'
- Can the server's feet be off the
ground at the time of the service?
Yes, but at the moment of striking the ball his foot (or
feet) must not touch the baseline or court the other side of the baseline.
- Where does the receiver have to
stand when taking the service?
Anywhere, provided it is in his own half of the court. How
close you stand to the net depends on the strength of your opponent's serve.
- How is the 1.5 minute break in
between games timed?
The time is taken from the moment the ball goes out of play
at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next
game.
- Is there a time limit on the amount
of time a server can take in between the end of one point and serving to start the next?
In major international events this is normally 30 seconds.
- How often are the balls changed
during the tie-break game?
Not at all. The tie-break game is counted as one game for
the purpose of the ball change. If the balls, however, are due to be changed at the
beginning of the tie-break, the change is delayed until it is completed.
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