The following Rules and Cases and Decisions are the
official Code of the International Tennis Federation, of which the United States Tennis
Association is a member. USTA Comments have the same weight and force in USTA tournaments
as do ITF Cases and Decisions.
When a match is played without officials, USTA Regulation
I.M. shall apply in any situation not covered by the rules. The Code shall apply in any
situation not covered by USTA Regulation I.M.
Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these
Rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender.
Amendments to the USTA Comments may be made in accordance
with Article VIII of the USTA Regulations provided such amendments are not inconsistent
with the Rules of Tennis of the International Tennis Federation.
The court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77m.) long
and 27 feet (8.23m.) wide.
[USTA Comment: See Rule 34 for a doubles court.]
It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended
from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8cm.), the
ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be
not more than 6 inches (15cm.) square or 6 inches (15cm.) in diameter. These posts shall
not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm.) above the top of the net cord. The centers of the
posts shall be 3 feet (0.914m.) outside the court on each side and the height of the posts
shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07m.)
above the ground.
When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) and singles court with a doubles net
is used for singles, the net must be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07m.) by
means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3
inches (7.5cm.) square or 3 inches (7.5cm.) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks
shall be 3 feet (0.914m.) outside the singles court on each side.
The net shall be extended fully so that it fills completely
the space between the two posts and shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent the
ball passing through. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (0.914m.) at the center, where
it shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5cm.) wide and completely
white in color. There shall be a band covering the cord or metal cable and the top of the
net of not less than 2 inches (5cm.) nor more than 2.5 inches (6.3cm.) in depth on each
side and completely white in colour.
[USTA Comment: An approved method for obtaining
proper net tautness is: Loosen the center strap. Tighten the net cord until it is
approximately 40 inches above the ground, being careful not to overtighten the net.
Tighten the center strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These
measurements should always be made before the first match of the day.]
There shall be no advertisement on the net, strap, band or
singles sticks.
The lines bounding the ends and sides of the Court shall
respectively be called the base-lines and the side-lines. On each side of the net, at a
distance of 21 feet (6.40m.) from it and parallel with it, shall be drawn the
service-lines. The space on each side of the net between the service-line and the
side-lines shall be divided into two equal parts called the service-courts by the center
service-line which must be 2 inches (5cm.) in width, drawn half-way between, and parallel
with, the side-lines. Each base-line shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation of the
center service-line to a line 4 inches (10cm.) in length and 2 inches (5cm.) in width
called the center mark drawn inside the Court, at right angles to and in contact with such
base-lines. All other lines shall be not less than 1 inch (2.5cm.) nor more than 2 inches
(5cm.) in width, except the base-line, which may be 4 inches (10cm.) in width, and all
measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. All lines shall be of uniform
color.
If advertising or any other material is placed at the back
of the court, it may not contain white, or yellow. A light color may only be used if this
does not interfere with the vision of the players.
If advertisements are placed on the chairs of the Linesmen
sitting at the back of the court, they may not contain white, or yellow. A light color may
only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.
ITF Note 1: In the case of the Davis Cup or
other Official Championships of the International Tennis Federation, there shall be a
space behind each base-line of not less than 21 feet (6.4m.), and at the sides of not less
than 12 feet (3.66m.). The chairs of the linesmen may be placed at the back of the court
within the 21 feet or at the side of the court within the 12 feet, provided they do not
protrude into that area more than 3 feet (.914m).
ITF Note 2: In the case of the stadium courts in the
Davis Cup World Group and the Federation Cup Main Draw there should be space behind
each baseline of not less than 27 feet (8.23m) and at the sides of not less than 15 feet
(4.57m).
ITF Note 3: At club or recreation level, the space
behind each baseline should be not less than 18 feet (5.5m) and at the sides not less than
10 feet (3.05m).
RULE 2 : Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only
the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there
are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round
the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the
Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Foot-fault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective
places.
ITF Note: For the purpose of this Rule, the word
"Umpire" comprehends the Umpire, the persons entitled to a seat on the Court,
and all those persons designated to assist the Umpire in the conduct of a match.
The ball shall have a uniform outer surface and shall be
white or yellow in color. If there are any seams, they shall be stitchless.
The ball shall be more than two and a half inches (6.35cm.)
and less than two and five-eighths inches (6.67cm.) in diameter, and more than two ounces
(56.7 grams) and less than two and one-sixteenth ounces (58.5 grams) in weight.
The ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (135cm.)
and less than 58 inches (147cm.) when dropped 100 inches (254cm.) upon a concrete base.
The ball shall have a forward deformation of more than .220
of an inch (.56cm.) and less than .290 of an inch (.74cm.) and a return deformation of
more than .315 of an inch (.80cm.) and less than .425 of an inch (1.08cm.) at 18 lb.
(8.165kg.) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual
readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more
than .030 of an inch (.08cm.) in each case.
For play above 4,000 feet (1219m) in altitude above sea
level, two additional types of ball may be used. The first type is identical to those
described above except that the bound shall be more than 48 inches (121.92cm) and less
than 53 inches (135cm) and the ball shall have an internal pressure that is greater than
the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurized ball.
The second type is identical to those described above except that they shall have a bound
of more than 53 inches (135cm) and less than 58 inches (147cm) and shall have an internal
pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatized
for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball
is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurized ball.
All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in
accordance with the Regulations in the Appendix hereto.
RULE 4 : The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following specifications
are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:
(a) The hitting surface of the rachet shall be flat
and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately
interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally
uniform, and in particular not less dense in the center than in any other area. The
strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely
and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration and which are reasonable
in size and placement for such purposes.
(b) The frame of the racket shall not exceed 32
inches (81.28cm.) in overall length, including the handle and 12.5 inches (31.75cm.) in
overall width. The strung surface shall not exceed 15.5 inches (39.37cm.) in overall
length, and 11.5 inches (29.21cm.) in overall width.
(c) The frame, including the handle, shall be free
of attached objects and devices other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit
or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices
must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
(d) The frame, including the handle and the strings,
shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the
racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, during the playing of a point.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the
question of whether any racket or prototype complies with the above specifications or is
otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own
initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including
any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such
rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and
Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation, copies of which may be obtained
from the office of the Secretary.
Case 1. Can there be more than one set of strings on
the hitting surface of a racket?
Decision. No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern,
and not patterns, of crossed strings.
Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a racket
considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision. No.
Case 3. Can a vibration dampening device be placed
on the strings of a racket and if so here can it be placed?
Decision. Yes; but such devices may only be placed
outside the pattern of crossed strings.
RULE 5 : Server and Receiver
The players shall stand on opposite sides of the net; the player who
first delivers the ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.
Case 1. Does a player, attempting stroke, lose the point if
he crosses an imaginary line in the extension of the net,
(a) before striking the ball,
(b) after striking the ball?
Decision. He does not lose the point in either case by
crossing the imaginary line and provided he does not enter the lines bounding his
opponents Court (Rule 20 (e)) In regard to hindrance, his
opponent my ask for the decision of the Umpire under Rules 21
and 25.
Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver must stand within
the lines bounding his Court. Is this necessary?
Decision. No. The Receiver my stand wherever he pleases on
his own side of the net.
RULE 6 : Choice of Ends and Service
The choice of ends and the right to be Server or Receiver in the
first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss may choose or require his
opponent to choose:
(a) The right to be Server or Receiver, in which case the
other player shall choose the end; or
(b) The end, in which case the other player shall choose the
right to be Server or Receiver.
[USTA Comment: The toss shall be made before the warm-up.
Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except that if the
match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match.]
RULE 7 : The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately
before commencing to serve, the Server shall stand with both feet at rest behind (i.e.
further from the net than) the base-line, and within the imaginary continuations of the
center-mark and side-line. The Server shall then project the ball by hand into the air in
any direction and before it hits the ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery
shall be deemed to have been completed at the moment of the impact of the racket and the
ball. A player with the use of only one arm may utilize his racket for the projection.
[USTA Comment: The service begins when the Server takes a
ready position (i.e., both feet at rest behind the baseline) and ends when his racket
makes contact with the ball or when he misses the ball in attempting to serve it.]
[USTA Comment: There is no restriction regarding the kind of
service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at
his discretion.]
Case 1. May the Server in a singles game take his stand
behind the portion of the base-line between the side-lines of the Singles Court and the
Doubles Court?
Decision. No.
[USTA Comment: The server may stand anywhere in back of the
baseline between the imaginary extensions of the center mark and the singles sideline.]
Case 2. If a player, when serving, throws up two or more
balls instead of one, does he lose that service?
Decision. No. A let should be called, but if the Umpire
regards the action as deliberate he may take action under Rule
21.
[USTA Comment: There is no restriction regarding the kind of
service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at
his discretion.]
RULE 8 : Foot Fault
(a) The Server shall throughout the delivery of the service:
(i) Not change his position by walking or running. The Server
shall not by slight movements of the feet which do not materially affect the location
originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his position by walking or
running".
(ii) Not touch, with either foot, any area other than that
behind the base-line within the imaginary extensions of the center mark and side-lines.
(b) The word "foot" means the extremity of the leg
below the ankle.
[USTA Comment: This rule covers the most decisive stroke in
the game, and there is no justification for its not being obeyed by players and enforced
by officials. No official has the right to instruct any umpire to disregard violations of
it. In a non-officiated match, the Receiver, or his partner, may call foot faults after
all efforts (appeal to the server, request for an umpire, etc.) have failed and the foot
faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the Receiver's side.
It is improper for any official to warn a player that he is in
danger of having a foot fault called on him. On the other hand if a player in all
sincerity, asks for an explanation of how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire or the
Chair Umpire should give him that information.]
RULE 9 : Delivery of Service
(a) In delivering the service, the Server shall stand
alternately behind the right and left Courts beginning from the right in every game. If
service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from
such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be
corrected immediately it is discovered.
(b) The ball served shall pass over the net
and hit the ground within the Service Court which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line
bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns it.
RULE 10 : Service Fault
The Service is a fault:
(a) If the Server commits any breach of Rules 7, 8 or 9(b);
(b) If he misses the ball in attempting to strike it;
(c) If the ball served touches a permanent
fixture (other than the net, strap or band) before it hits the ground.
Case 1. After throwing a ball up preparatory to serving the
Server decides not to strike at it and catches it instead. Is it a fault?
Decision. No.
[USTA Comment: As long as the Server makes no attempt to
strike the ball it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or on his racket or
lets it drop to the ground.]
Case 2. In serving in a singles game played on a Doubles
Court with doubles posts and singles sticks the ball hits a singles stick and then hits
the ground within the lines of the correct Service Court. Is this a fault or a let?
Decision. In serving it is a fault because the singles stick
the doubles post and that portion of the net or band between them are permanent fixtures.
(Rules 2 and 10 and note to Rule 24.).
[USTA Comment: The significant point governing Case 2 is that
the part of the net and band outside the singles sticks is not part of the net over which
this singles match is being played. Thus such a serve is a fault under the provisions of
Article (c) above . . . By the same token this would be a fault also if it were a singles
game played with permanent posts in the singles position. See Case 1 under Rule 24 for difference between
"service" and "good return" with respect to a ball's hitting a net
post.]
RULE 11 : Second Service
After a fault (if it is the first fault) the Server shall serve
again from behind the same half of the Court from which he served that fault, unless the
service was from the wrong half, when, in accordance with Rule
9, the Server shall be entitled to one service only from behind the other half.
Case 1. A player serves from a wrong Court. He loses the
point and then claims it was a fault because of his wrong station.
Decision. The point stands as played and the next service
should be from the correct station according to the score.
Case 2. The point score being 15 all the Server by mistake
serves from the left-hand Court. He wins the point. He then serves again from the
right-hand Court delivering a fault. This mistake in station is then discovered. Is he
entitled to the previous point? From which Court should he next serve?
Decision. The previous point stands. The next service should
be from the left-hand Court the score being 30/15 and the Server has served one fault.
RULE 12 : When To Serve
The Server shall not serve until the Receiver is ready. If the
latter attempts to return the service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however, the Receiver
signifies that he is not ready, he may not claim a fault because the ball does not hit the
ground within the limits fixed for the service.
[USTA Comment: The Server must wait
until the Receiver is ready for the second service as well as the first, and if the
Receiver claims to be not ready and does not make any effort to return a service, the
Server's claim for the point may not be honored even though the service was good. However,
the Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside
interference takes place.
In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to
provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
(a) When called solely in respect of a service that one
service only shall be replayed.
(b) When called under any other circumstance, the point shall
be replayed.
Case 1. A service is interrupted by some cause outside those
defined in Rule 14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision. No the whole point must be replayed.
[USTA Comment: If the interruption occurs during delivery of
the second service, the Server gets two serves. Example: On a second service a linesman
calls "fault" and immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile having let the
ball go by. The Server is entitled to two serves, on this ground: The corrected call means
that the Server has put the ball into play with a good service, and once the ball is in
play and a let is called, the point must be replayed. Note, however, that if the serve is
an unmistakable ace - that is, the Umpire is sure that the erroneous call had no part in
the Receiver's inability to play the ball - the point should be declared for the Server.
If a delay between first and second serves is caused by the
Receiver, by an official or by an outside interference the whole point shall be replayed;
if the delay is caused by the Server, the Server has one serve to come. A spectator's
outcry (of "out", "fault" or other) is not a valid basis for replay of
a point, but action should be taken to prevent a recurrence.]
Case 2. If a ball in play becomes broken, should a let be
called?
Decision. Yes.
[USTA Comment: A ball shall be regarded as having become
"broken" if, in the opinion of the Chair Umpire, it is found to have lost
compression to the point of being unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason, and it
is clear the defective ball was the one in play.]
RULE 14 : The "Let" in Service
The service is a let:
(a) If the ball served touches the net,
strap or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching the net, strap or band, touches
the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries before hitting the ground.
(b) If a service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is
not ready (see Rule 12).
In case of a let, that particular service shall not count, and the
Server shall serve again, but a service let does not annul a previous fault.
RULE 15 : Order of Service
At the end of the first game the Receiver shall become Server, and
the Server Receiver; and so on alternately in all the subsequent games of a match. If a
player serves out of turn, the player who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the
mistake is discovered, but all points scored before such discovery shall be reckoned. If a
game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service remains as
altered. A fault served before such discovery shall not be reckoned.
RULE 16 : When Players Change Ends
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and
every subsequent alternate game of each set, and at the end of each set unless the total
number of games in such set is even, in which case the change is not made until the end of
the first game of the next set.
If a mistake is made and the correct sequence is not followed the
players must take up their correct station as soon as the discovery is made and follow
their original sequence.
RULE 17 : The Ball in Play
A ball is in play from the moment at which it is delivered in
service. Unless a fault or a let is called it remains in play until the point is decided.
[USTA Comment: A point is not decided simply when, or
because, a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes
over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball is still definitely in play until it
actually strikes the ground, backstop or a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts,
singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band), or a player. The same applies to a
good ball, bounding after it has landed in the proper court. A ball that becomes imbedded
in the net is out of play.]
[USTA Comment: When a ball is hit into the net and the player
on the other side, thinking the ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits the next he
loses the point if his touching the net occurs while the ball is still in play.]
Case 1. A player fails to make a good
return. No call is made and the ball remains in play. May his opponent later claim the
point after the rally has ended?
Decision. No. The point may not be claimed if the players
continue to play after he error has been made, provided the opponent was not hindered.
[USTA Comment: An out call on A's shot to B's court must be
made before B's shot has either gone out of play or has been hit by A. See Case 3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired
match.]
RULE 18 : Server Wins Point
The Server wins the point:
(a) If the ball served, not being a let under Rule 14, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or
carries, before it hits the ground;
(b) If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
RULE 19 : Receiver Wins Point
The Receiver wins the point:
(a) If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
(b) If the Server otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
RULE 20 : Player Loses Point
A player loses the point if:
(a) He fails, before the ball in play has hit the ground
twice consecutively, to return it directly over the net (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
(b) He returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, a
permanent fixture, or other object, outside any of the lines which bound his opponent's
Court (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
[USTA Comment: A ball hitting a scoring device or other
object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker.]
(c) He volleys the ball and fails to make
a good return even when standing outside the Court; or
(d) In playing the ball he deliberately
carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than
once; or
[USTA Comment: Only when there is a definite "second
push " by the player does his shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The
word 'deliberately' is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a
single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.]
(e) He or his racket (in his hand or
otherwise) or anything which he wears or carries touches the net, posts, singles sticks,
cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the ground within his opponent's Court at any time
while the ball is in play; or
[USTA Comment: Touching a pipe support that runs across the
court at the bottom of the net is interpreted as touching the net; See USTA Comment under Rule 23 for a ball which hits a pipe
support.]
(f) He volleys the ball before it has passed the net; or
(g) The ball in play touches him or
anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands; or
[USTA Comment: This loss of point occurs regardless of
whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of his court when the ball touches
him.]
(h) He throws his racket at and hits the
ball; or
(i) He deliberately and materially changes the shape of his
racket during the playing of the point.
Case 1. In serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand
and touches the net before the ball has touched the ground. Is his a fault or does the
player lose he point?
Decision. The Server loses the point because his racket
touches the net while the ball is in play (Rule 20 (e)).
Case 2. In serving the racket flies from the Server's hand
and touches the net after the ball has touched the ground outside the proper court. Is
this a fault or does the player lose the point?
Decision. This is a fault because the ball was out of play
when he racket touched the net.
Case 3. A and B are playing against C and D. A is serving to
D. C touches the net before the ball touches the ground. A fault is then called because
the service falls outside the Service Court. Do C and D lose he point?
Decision. The call "fault" is an erroneous one. C
and D had already lost the point before "fault" could be called because C
touched the net whilst the ball was in play (Rule 20 (e)).
Case 4. May a player jump over the net into his opponent's
Court while the ball is in play and not suffer penalty?
Decision. No. He loses the point (Rule 20 (e)).
Case 5. A cuts the ball just over the net and it returns to
A's side. B, unable to reach the ball, throws his racket and hits the ball. Both racket
and ball fall over the net on A's Court. A returns the ball outside of B's Court. Does B
win or lose the point?
Decision. B loses the point (Rule
20 (e) and (h)).
Case 6. A player standing outside the service Court is struck
by a service ball before it has touched the ground. Does he win or lose the point?
Decision. The player struck loses the point (Rule 20 (d), except as provided under Rule 14 (a).
Case 7. A player standing outside the Court volleys the ball
or catches it in his hand and claims the point because the ball was certainly going out of
court.
Decision. In no circumstances can he claim the point.
(1) If he catches the ball he loses the point under Rule 20 (g)
(2) If he volleys it and makes a bad return he loses he point
under Rule 20 (c).
(3) If he volleys it and makes a good return the rally
continues.
RULE 21 : Player Hinders Opponent
If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a
stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point
shall be replayed.
[USTA Comment: 'Deliberate' means a player did what he
intended to do, although the resulting effect on his opponent might or might not have been
what he intended. Example: a player, after his return is in the air, gives advice to his
partner in such a loud voice that his opponent is hindered. 'Involuntary' means a
non-intentional act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting from a sudden wasp
sting.]
[USTA Comment: Upon appeal by a competitor that the server's
action in discarding a "second ball" after a rally has started constitutes a
distraction (hindrance), the Umpire, if he deems the claim valid, shall require the server
to make some other satisfactory disposition of the ball. Failure to comply with this
instruction shall result in loss of a point on each occasion.]
Case 1. Is a player liable to a penalty if in making a stroke
he touches his opponent?
Decision. No, unless the Umpire deems it necessary to take
action under Rule 21.
Case 2. When a ball bounds back over the net the player
concerned may reach over the net in order to play he ball. What is the ruling if the
player is hindered from doing this by his opponent?
Decision. In accordance with Rule
21 the Umpire may either award the point to the player hindered or order the point to
be replayed (See also Rule 25).
Case 3. Does an involuntary double hit constitute an act
which hinders an opponent within Rule 21?
Decision. No.
RULE 22 : Ball Falls on Line
A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling in the Court bounded
by that line.
[USTA Comment: In a non-officiated singles match, each player
makes the call on any ball hit toward his side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball
out with surety he should regard it as good. In doubles, normally the Receiver's partner
makes the calls with respect to the service line, with the Receiver calling on the side
and center lines, but either partner may make the call on any ball he clearly sees out.]
RULE 23 : Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture other than the net,
posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground,
the player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins
the point.
[USTA Comment: A ball in play that
strikes a pipe support running across the court at the base of the net is treated the same
as a ball landing on clear ground. See also Rule 20(e)
for a player who touches a pipe support.]
Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The
player claims that the ball was going into Court.
Decision. He loses the point.
RULE 24 : A Good Return
It is a good return:
(a) If the ball touches the net, posts,
singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of
them and hits the ground within the court; or
(b) If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within
the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it
is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that neither he nor any
part of his clothes or racket touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable
strap or band or the ground within his opponent's Court, and that the stroke is otherwise
good, or
(c) If the ball is returned outside the
posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top of the net, even
though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the
proper Court, or
(d) If a player's racket passes over the
net after he has returned the ball provided the ball passes the net before being played
and is properly returned; or
(e) If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in
play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.
[USTA Comment: Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball
lying on the court at the start of the point, as a result of a service let or fault, or as
a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary
"foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let
should be played. See Case 7 under Rule 25 and note that
it pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match.]
Note to Rule 24:
In a singles match, if, for the sake of convenience, a doubles Court is equipped with
singles sticks for the purpose of a singles game then the doubles posts and those portions
of the net, cord or metal cable and the band outside such singles sticks shall at all
times be permanent fixtures, and are not regarded as posts or parts of the net of a
singles game.
A return that passes under the net cord between the singles stick
and adjacent doubles post without touching either net cord, net or doubles post and falls
within the court, is a good return.
[USTA Comment: But in doubles this would be a "through" --
loss of point.]
Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a
net post or singles stick and falls within the lines of the opponent's Court. Is the
stroke good?
Decision. It a service: no, under Rule 10 (c). If other than a service yes, under Rule 24 (d).
Case 2. Is it a good return if a player returns the ball
holding his racket in both hands?
Decision. Yes.
Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes a ball lying in
the Court. Is the point won or lost thereby?
[USTA Comment: A ball that is touching a boundary line is considered
to be "lying in the court".]
Decision. No. Play must continue. If it is not clear to the
Umpire that the right ball is returned a let should be called.
Case 4. May a player use more than one racket at any time
during play?
Decision. No; the whole implication of the Rules is singular.
Case 5. May a player request that a ball or balls lying in
his opponent's Court be removed?
Decision. Yes, but not while a ball is in play.
[USTA Comment: The request must be honored.]
RULE 25 : Hindrance of a Player
In case a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not
within his control, except a permanent fixture of the Court, or except as provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.
[USTA Comment: See Rule 13
and its USTA Comments regarding lets.]
Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a player, who fails
to return the ball. May the player then claim a let?
Decision. Yes, if in the Umpire's opinion he was obstructed
by circumstances beyond his control, but not it due to permanent fixtures of the Court or
the arrangements of the ground.
Case 2. A player is interfered with as in Case No. 1, and the
Umpire calls a let. The Server had previously served a fault. Has he the right to two
services?
Decision. Yes: as the ball is in play, the point, not merely
the stroke, must be replayed as the Rule provides.
Case 3. May a player claim a let under Rule 25 because he thought his opponent was being hindered,
and consequently did not expect the ball to be returned?
Decision. No.
Case 4. Is a stroke good when a ball in play hits another
ball in the air?
Decision. A let should be called unless the other ball is in
the air by the act of one of the players, in which case the Umpire will decide under Rule 21.
Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls
"fault" or "out", and then corrects himself, which of the calls shall
prevail?
Decision. A let must be called unless in the opinion of the
Umpire, neither player is hindered in his game, in which case the corrected call shall
prevail.
Case 6. If the first ball served, a fault, rebounds,
interfering with the Receiver at the time of the second service, may the Receiver claim a
let?
Decision. Yes. But if he had an opportunity to remove the
ball from the Court and negligently failed to do so, he may not claim a let.
Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the ball touches a stationary
or moving object on the Court?
Decision. It is a good stroke unless the stationary object
came into Court after the ball was put into play, in which case a let must be called. If
the ball in play strikes an object moving along or above the surface of the Court, a let
must be called.
Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service is a fault,
the second service correct, and it becomes necessary to call a let either under the
provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is unable to decide
the point?
Decision. The fault shall be annulled and the whole point
replayed.
RULE 26 : Score in a Game
If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that
player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning
his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a
player is scored game for that player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce;
and the next point won by a player is scored advantage for that player. If the same player
wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score
is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following
the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.
[USTA Comment: In an non-officiated match the Server should
announce, in a voice audible to his opponent and spectators, the set score at the
beginning of each game, and point scores as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be
avoided if this practice is followed.]
RULE 27 : Score in a Set
(a) A player (or players) who first wins six games wins a
set, except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent and where
necessary a set is extended until this margin is achieved.
(b) The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted as an
alternative to the advantage set system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the
decision is announced in advance of the match.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches six games all in
any set except in the third or fifth set of a three set or five set match respectively
when an ordinary advantage set shall be played, unless otherwise decided and announced in
advance of the match.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break game.
Singles
(i) A player who first wins seven points shall win the game
and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points
all the game shall be extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring
shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
(ii) The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the server
for the first point. His opponent shall be the server for the second and third points and
thereafter each player shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the winner
of the game and set has been decided.
(iii) From the first point, each service shall be delivered
alternately from the right and left courts, beginning from the right court. If service
from a wrong half of the court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such
wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected
immediately after it is discovered.
(iv) Players shall change ends after every six points and at
the conclusion of the tie-break game.
(v) The tie-break game shall count as one game for the ball
change, except that, if the balls are due to be changed at the beginning of the tie-break,
the change shall be delayed until the second game of the following set.
Doubles
In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply. The player whose
turn it is to serve shall be the server for the first point. Thereafter each player shall
serve in rotation for two points, in the same order as previously in that set, until the
winners of the game and set have been decided.
Rotation of Service
The player (or pair in the case of doubles) who served first in the
tie-break game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.
Case 1. At six-all the tie-break is played, although it has
been decided and announced in advance of the match that an advantage set will be played.
Are the points already played counted?
Decision. It the error is discovered before the ball is put
in play for the second point, the first point shall count but the error shall be corrected
immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point
the game shall continue as a tie-break game.
Case 2. At six all, an advantage game is played, although it
has been decided and announced in advance of the match that a tie-break will be played.
Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before the ball is put
in play for the second point, the first point shall be counted but the error shall be
corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the
second point an advantage set shall be continued. If the score thereafter reaches eight
games all or a higher even number, a tie-break shall be played.
Case 3. If during a tie-break in a
singles or doubles game, a player serves out of turn, shall the order of service remain as
altered until the end of the game?
Decision. If a player has completed his turn of service the
order of service shall remain as altered. If the error is discovered before a player has
completed his turn of service the order of service shall be corrected immediately and any
points already played shall count.
RULE 28 : Maximum Number of Sets
The maximum number of sets in a match shall be 5, or, where women
take part, 3.
RULE 29 : Role of Court Officials
In matches where an Umpire is appointed his decision shall be final,
but where a Referee is appointed, an appeal shall lie to him from the decision of an
Umpire on a question of law, and in all such cases the decision of the Referee shall be
final.
In matches where assistants to the Umpire are appointed (Linesmen,
Net-cord Judges, Foot-fault Judges) their decisions shall be final on questions of fact,
except that if in the opinion of an Umpire a clear mistake has been made, he shall have
the right to change the decision of an assistant or order a let to be played. When such an
assistant is unable to give a decision he shall indicate this immediately to the Umpire
who shall give a decision. When an Umpire is unable to give a decision on a question of
fact he shall order a let to be played.
In Davis Cup matches or other team competitions where a Referee is
on Court, any decision can be changed by the Referee, who may also instruct an Umpire to
order a let to be played.
The Referee, in his discretion, may at any time postpone a match on
account of darkness or the condition of the ground or the weather. In any case of
postponement the previous score and previous occupancy of Courts shall hold good, unless
the Referee and the players unanimously agree otherwise.
[USTA Comment: See fourth
USTA Comment under Rule 30 regarding resumption of suspended match.]
Case 1. The Umpire orders a let, but a player claims that the
point should not be replayed. May the Referee be requested to give a decision?
Decision. Yes. A question of tennis law, that is an issue
relating to the application of specific facts, shall first be determined by the Umpire.
However, if the Umpire is uncertain or if a player appeals from his determination, then
the Referee shall be requested to give a decision, and his decision is final.
Case 2. A ball is called out but a player claims that the
ball was good. May the Referee give a ruling?
Decision. No. This is a question of fact, that is an issue
relating to what actually occurred during a specific incident, and the decision of the
on-court officials is therefore final.
Case 3. May an Umpire overrule a Linesman
at the end of a rally if, in his opinion, a clear mistake has been made during the course
of a rally?
Decision. No, unless in his opinion the opponent was
hindered. Otherwise an Umpire may only overrule a Linesman if he does so immediately after
the mistake has been made.
[USTA Comment: See Rule 17 Case
1 regarding non-officiated matches.]
Case 4. A Linesman calls a ball out. The Umpire was unable to
see clearly, although he thought the ball was in. May he overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may only overrule if he considers
that a call was incorrect beyond all reasonable doubt. He may only overrule a ball
determined good by a Linesman if he has been able to see a space between the ball and the
line; and he may only overrule a ball determined out, or a fault, by a Linesman if he has
seen the ball hit the line, or fall inside the line.
Case 5. May a Linesman change his call after the Umpire has
given the score?
Decision. Yes. If a Linesman realizes he has made an error,
he may make a correction provided he does so immediately.
Case 6. A player claims his return shot was good after a
Linesman called out. May the Umpire overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may never overrule as a result of a
protest or an appeal by a player.
RULE 30 : Continuous Play and Rest Periods
Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is
concluded, in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) If the first service is a fault, the second service must
be struck by the Server without delay.
The Receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the Server and must
be ready to receive when the Server is ready to serve.
When changing ends a maximum of one minute thirty seconds shall
elapse 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.
The Umpire shall use his discretion when there is interference which
makes it impractical for play to be continuous.
The organizers of international circuits and team events recognized
by the ITF may determine the time allowed between points, which shall not at any time
exceed 20 seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of one point to the
time the ball is struck for the next point.
[USTA Comment: The 20 second rule applies only to certain
international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF. When practical, in USTA
sanctioned tournaments using a certified official in direct observation of the match, the
time which shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point
to the time the ball is struck shall not exceed 25 seconds.]
(b) Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with
for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical
condition.
However, in the case of accidental injury, the Umpire may allow a
one-time three minute suspension for that injury.
(c) If, through circumstances outside the control of the
player, his clothing, footwear or equipment (excluding racket) becomes out of adjustment
in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable for him to play on, the Umpire may
suspend play while the maladjustment is rectified.
[USTA Comment: If equipment other than a racket becomes
unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended
for a reasonable period and the player may leave the court to correct the problem. If a
racket or racket string is broken, Rule 30 does not permit play to be suspended. A player
who leaves the court to get a replacement is subject to code violation(s) under the Point
Penalty System.]
[USTA Comment: Loss of, or damage to, a
contact lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment maladjustment. All players must
follow the same rules with respect to suspending play, even though in misty but playable
weather, a player who wears glasses may be handicapped.]
(d) The Umpire may suspend or delay play at any time as may
be necessary and appropriate.
[USTA Comment: When a match is resumed after a suspension of
more than ten minutes, it is permissible for the players to engage in a re-warm-up that
may be of the same duration as that at the start of the match. The preferred method is to
warm-up with other used balls and then insert the match balls when play starts. If the
match balls are used in the re-warm-up, then the next ball change will be two games
sooner. There shall be no re-warm-up after an authorized intermission or after a
suspension of ten minutes or less.]
(e) After the third set, or when women
take part the second set, either player is entitled to a rest, which shall not exceed 10
minutes, or in countries situated between latitude 15 degrees north and latitude 15
degrees south, 45 minutes and furthermore, when necessitated by circumstances not within
the control of the players, the Umpire may suspend play for such a period as he may
consider necessary. If play is suspended and is not resumed until a later day the rest may
be taken only after the third set (or when women take part the second set) of play on such
a later day, completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
If play is suspended and is not resumed until 10 minutes have
elapsed in the same day the rest may be taken only after three consecutive sets have been
played without interruption (or when women take part two sets), completion of an
unfinished set being counted as one set.
Any nation and/or committee organizing a tournament, match or
competition, other than the International Tennis Championships (Davis Cup and Federation
Cup), is at liberty to modify this provision or omit it from its regulations provided this
is announced before the event commences.
(f) A tournament committee has the discretion to decide the
time allowed for a warm-up period prior to a match but this may not exceed five minutes
and must be announced before the event commences.
[USTA Comment: When there are no ballpersons this time may be
extended to ten minutes.]
(g) When approved point penalty and non-accumulative point
penalty systems are in operation, the Umpire shall make his decisions within the terms of
those systems.
(h) Upon violation of the principle that play shall be
continuous the Umpire may, after giving due warning, disqualify the offender.
During the playing of a match in a team competition, a player may
receive coaching from a captain who is sitting on the court only when he changes ends at
the end of a game, but not when he changes ends during a tie-break game.
A player may not receive coaching during the playing of any other
match.
After due warning an offending player may be disqualified. When an
approved point penalty system is in operation, the Umpire shall impose penalties according
to that system.
Case 1. Should a warning be given, or the player be
disqualified, if the coaching is given by signals in an unobtrusive manner?
Decision. The Umpire must take action as soon as he becomes
aware that coaching is being given verbally or by signals. If the Umpire is unaware that
coaching is being given, a player may draw his attention to the fact that advice is being
given.
Case 2. Can a player receive coaching during an authorized
rest period under Rule 30(e), or when play is interrupted
and he leaves the court?
Decision. Yes. In these circumstances, when the player is not
on the court, there is no restriction on coaching.
ITF Note: The word "coaching" includes any advice
or instruction.
[USTA Comment: Coaching is not permitted in the USTA Adult
and Senior League Program except during authorized rest periods.]
RULE 32 : Changing Balls
In cases where balls are to be changed after a specified number of
games, if the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the mistake shall be
corrected when the player, or pair in the case of doubles, who should have served with new
balls is next due to serve. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that the number of
games between changes shall be that originally agreed.
The above Rules shall apply to the Doubles Game except as below.
RULE 34 : The Doubles Court
For the Doubles Game, the Court shall be 36 feet (10.97m.) in width,
i.e. 4.5 feet (1.37m.) wider on each side than the Court for the Singles Game, and those
portions of the singles side-lines which lie between the two service-lines shall be called
the service side-lines. In other respects, the Court shall be similar to that described in
Rule 1, but the portions of the singles side-lines between
the base-line and service-line on each side of the net may be omitted if desired.
[USTA Comment: The Server has the right in doubles to stand
anywhere back of the baseline between the center mark imaginary extension and the doubles
sideline imaginary extension.]
RULE 35 : Order of Service in Doubles
The order of serving shall be decided at the beginning of each set
as follows:
The pair who have to serve in the first game of each set shall
decide which partner shall do so and the opposing pair shall decide similarly for the
second game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve in the
third; the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth,
and so on in the same order in all the subsequent games of a set.
Case 1. In doubles one player does not appear in time to
play, and his partner claims to be allowed to play single-handed against the opposing
players. May he do so?
Decision. No.
RULE 36 : Order of Receiving in Doubles
The order of receiving the service shall be decided at the beginning
of each set as follows:
The pair who have to receive the service in the first game shall
decide which partner shall receive the first service, and that partner shall continue to
receive the first service in every odd game throughout that set. The opposing pair shall
likewise decide which partner shall receive the first service in the second game and that
partner shall continue to receive the first service in every even game throughout that
set. Partners shall receive the service alternately throughout each game.
Case 1. Is it allowable in doubles for the server's partner
or the Receiver's partner to stand in a position that obstructs the view of the Receiver?
Decision. Yes. The Server's partner or the Receiver's partner
may take any position on his side of the net in or out of the Court that he wishes.
RULE 37 : Service Out of Turn in Doubles
If a partner serves out of his turn, the partner who ought to have
served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored, and any
faults served before such discovery, shall be reckoned. If a game shall have been
completed before such discovery, the order of service remains as altered.
[USTA Comment: For an exception to Rule 37 see Case 3 under Rule
27.]
RULE 38 : Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles
If during a game the order of receiving the service is changed by
the Receivers it shall remain as altered until the end of the game in which the mistake is
discovered, but the partners shall resume their original order of receiving in the next
game of that set in which they are Receivers of the service.
RULE 39 : Service Fault in Doubles
The service is a fault as provided for by Rule 10, or if the ball touches the Server's partner or
anything which he wears or carries, but if the ball served touches the partner of the
Receiver, or anything which he wears or carries, not being a let under Rule 14(a) before it hits the ground, the Server wins the
point.
RULE 40 : Playing the Ball in Doubles
The ball shall be struck alternately by one or other player of the
opposing pairs, and if a player touches the ball in play with his racket in contravention
of this Rule, his opponents win the point.
[USTA Comment: The partners themselves do not have to
"alternate" in making returns. In the course of making one return, only one
member of a doubles team may hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either
simultaneously or consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does
not make a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.]
ITF Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in
these rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender.
1. Unless otherwise specified all tests shall be made at a
temperature of approximately 68° Fahrenheit (20° Centigrade) and a relative humidity of
approximately 60 per cent. All balls should be removed from their container and kept at
the recognized temperature and humidity for 24 hours prior to testing, and shall be at
that temperature and humidity when the test is commenced.
2. Unless otherwise specified the limits are for a test
conducted in an atmospheric pressure resulting in a barometric reading of approximately 30
inches (76cm.).
3. Other standards may be fixed for localities where the
average temperature, humidity or average barometric pressure at which the game is being
played differs materially from 68° Fahrenheit (20° Centigrade), 60 per cent and 30
inches (76cm.) respectively.
Applications for such adjusted standards may be made by any National
Association to the International Tennis Federation and if approved shall be adopted for
such localities.
4. In all tests for diameter a ring gauge shall be used
consisting of a metal plate, preferably non-corrosive, of a uniform thickness of
one-eighth of an inch (.32cm.) in which there are two circular openings 2.575 inches
(6.54cm.) and 2.700 inches (6.86cm.) in diameter respectively. The inner surface of the
gauge shall have a convex profile with a radius of one-sixteenth of an inch (.16cm.). The
ball shall not drop through the smaller opening by its own weight and shall drop through
the larger opening by its own weight.
5. In all tests for deformation conducted under Rule 3, the machine designed by Percy Herbert Stevens and
patented in Great Britain under Patent No. 230250, together with the subsequent additions
and improvements thereto, including the modifications required to take return
deformations, shall be employed or such other machine which is approved by a National
Association and gives equivalent readings to the Stevens machine.
6. Procedure for carrying out tests.
(a) Pre-compression. Before any ball is tested it shall be
steadily compressed by approximately one inch (2.54cm.) on each of three diameters at
right angles to one another in succession; this process to be carried out three times
(nine compressions in all). All tests to be completed within two hours of precompression.
(b) Bound test (as in Rule 3).
Measurements are to be taken from the concrete base to the bottom of the ball.
(c) Size test (as in paragraph 4 above).
(d) Weight test (as in Rule 3).
(e) Deformation test. The ball is placed in position on the
modified Stevens machine so that neither platen of the machine is in contact with the
cover seam. The contact weight is applied, the pointer and the mark brought level, and the
dials set to zero. The test weight equivalent to 18 lb. (8.165kg.) is placed on the beam
and pressure applied by turning the wheel at a uniform speed so that five seconds elapse
from the instant the beam leaves its seat until the pointer is brought level with the
mark. When turning ceases the reading is recorded (forward deformation). The wheel is
turned again until figure ten is reached on the scale (one inch [2.54cm.] deformation).
The wheel is then rotated in the opposite direction at a uniform speed (thus releasing
pressure) until the beam pointer again coincides with the mark. After waiting ten seconds
the pointer is adjusted to the mark if necessary. The reading is then recorded (return
deformation). This procedure is repeated on each ball across the two diameters at right
angles to the initial position and to each other.
Rules of Wheelchair Tennis
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied
tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Foundation except the wheelchair tennis
player is allowed two bounces of the ball.
1. The Competitive Wheelchair Tennis
Player. The only eligibility requirements for an individual to become a competitive
wheelchair tennis player is that he must be medically diagnosed as having a
mobility-related disability. In other words, he must have substantial or total loss of
function in one or more extremities. If, as a result of these functional limitations, this
person would be unable to play competitive able-bodied tennis (that is, having the
mobility to cover the court with adequate speed), then the person would be eligible to
play competitive wheelchair tennis in sanctioned IWTF tournaments.
(a) Quadriplegic division players shall be characterized as
one who has limited mobility, power and strength in at least three limbs due to accidents,
spinal cord injuries and other related diseases. Also included in this division are
walking quadriplegics, power wheelchair-users and triple amputees. Players who cannot use
both arms to move the chair are allowed to use their legs. In case of doubt it is up to
the IWTF to make a decision if the player is allowed to use his legs.
If there is reason to doubt an individual's eligibility to
participate as a competitive wheelchair tennis players, the IWTF rules committee reserves
the right to screen any player being considered for ranking. A verification of
quadriplegic status may be required, when in doubt.
2. The Ball In Play
In wheelchair tennis the ball is allowed to bounce twice before
being returned.
(a) If the ball is taken on the first bounce, it must bounce
within the bounds of the court.
(b) If the ball is taken on the second bounce, the second
bounce can hit the ground either within the boundaries of the court or outside the court
boundaries before being returned.
3. The Service
(a) The ball served may, after hitting the ground in the
service court, hit the ground once again within the bounds of the court or outside the
court boundaries before being returned.
(b) The server shall throughout the delivery of the service:
-- Not change position by rolling or spinning. The server shall not by slight movements of
the wheels which do not materially affect the location originally taken up by him, be
deemed "to change his position by rolling or spinning."
-- Not touch, with any wheel, any area other than that behind the baseline within
the imaginary extension of the center-mark and sideline.
(c) If the player deliberately uses any part of his lower
extremities as brakes or as stabilizers while delivering service, the service is deemed a
fault.
(d) If conventional methods for the service are physically
impossible for a quadriplegic player, then another individual may drop the ball for such a
player.
4. Player Loses Point. The wheelchair is part of the body.
All applicable rules apply. A player loses the point if:
(a) The ball in play touches him or his wheelchair or
anything he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand(s). This loss of a point
occurs regardless of whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of his court when
the ball touches him.
(b) A served ball hits him or his wheelchair or anything he
wears or carries, except his racket in his hand(s). If the server hits his own partner
with the served ball, then it is a fault.
(c) He deliberately uses any part of his feet or lower
extremities as brakes or as stabilizers while delivering the service, stroking a ball,
turning or stopping.
(d) He fails to keep one buttock in contact with his
wheelchair seat contacting the ball.
It is legal for a player to hit a return, fall out of his chair and then get back into his
chair to make the next return.
5. Wheelchair/Able-Bodied Tennis. Where a wheelchair player
is defined in Rule 1 above is playing with able-bodied
persons, then again the rules of tennis shall apply.
In this instance, however, the wheelchair player is allowed only one
bounce and Rules 2 and 3
above shall therefore not apply.
Tie-Breaks and No-Ad Scoring
1. Tie-Break Use Mandatory. Use of the 12-point tie-break is
mandatory in all sanctioned tournaments in all sets.
2. Twelve-Point Tie-Break
Singles. Player A, having served the first game of the set, serves
the first point from the right court; Player B serves points 2 and 3 (left and right); A
serves points 4 and 5 (left and right); B serves point 6 (left) and after they change
ends, point 7 (right); A serves points 8 and 9 (left and right); B serves points 10 and 11
(left and right); A serves point 12 (left). A player who reaches seven points during these
first 12 points wins the game and set. If the score has reached six points all, the
players change ends and continue in the same pattern until one player establishes a margin
of two points which gives him the game and set. Note that the players change ends every
six points and that the player who serves the last point of one of these 6-point segments
also serves the first point of the next one (from right court). For a following set the
players change ends and B serves the first game.
Doubles. The same pattern as in singles applies, with partners
preserving their serving sequence. In a game of A-B versus C-D, with A having served the
first game of the set, A serves the first point (right); C serves points 2 and 3 (left and
right); B serves points 4 and 5 (left and right); D serves point 6 (left) and after the
teams change ends, D serves point 7 (right); A serves points 8 and 9 (left and right); C
serves points 10 and 11 (left and right); B serves point 12 (left). A team that wins seven
points during these first 12 points wins the game and set. If the score has reached six
points all, the teams change ends. B then serves point 13 (right), and they continue until
one team establishes a two-point margin and thus wins the game and set. As in singles,
they change ends for one game to start a following set, with team C-D to serve first.
3. Experimental 12-point tie-break. The experimental 12-point
tie-break is the same as the present 12-point tie-break except that ends are changed after
the first point, then after every four points, and at the conclusion of the tie-break
game.
4. When experimental 12-point tie-break is authorized. For
experimental purposes, a section may authorize any tournament below the National
Championship level to use the experimental 12-point tie-break. For experimental purposes,
the USTA Sanctions and Schedules Committee may authorize the use of the experimental
12-point tie-break for any other tournament. Any tournament electing to use the
experimental 12-point tie-break must announce the election before the start of tournament
play.
5. Recording the tie-break score. The score of the tie-break
set will be written 7-6(x) or 6-7(x), with (x) being the number of points won by the loser
of the tie break. For example, 7-6(4) means the tie-break score was 7-4, and 6-7(14) means
the tie-break score was 14-16.
6. Changing ends during the tie-break. Changes of ends during
a tie-break game are to be made within the normal time allowed between points.
7. Ball changes. If a ball change is due on a tie-break game,
it will be deferred until the start of the second game of the next set. A tie-break game
counts as one game in determining ball changes.
8. No-Ad scoring. The No-Ad procedure is simply what the name
implies; the first player to win four points wins the game, with the seventh point of a
game becoming a game point for each player. The receiver has the choice of advantage court
or deuce court to which the service is to be delivered on the seventh point. No-ad scoring
is authorized for tournaments at the sectional championship level and below. A tournament
electing to use no-ad scoring must announce the election before the start of the
tournament play except as set forth in paragraph 9 below.
Note: The score-calling may be either in the conventional terms or
in simple number, i.e., "zero, one, two, three, game."
Cautionary Note: Any ITF-authorized tournament should get special
authorization from ITF before using No-Ad.
9. Change to No-Ad scoring. The referee
can switch to no-ad scoring from regular scoring in any round without prior notice on the
entry blank when in the referee's discretion the change is necessary to complete the
tournament after inclement weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind
its published schedule.
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