PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS

CONTENTS OF THE IFT RULES OF TENNIS

1 The Court............................................................................................... 3
2 Permanent Fixtures............................................................................... 4
3 The Ball.................................................................................................. 5
4 The Racket............................................................................................. 5
5 Score in a Game.................................................................................... 6
6 Score in a Set......................................................................................... 6
7 Score in a Match..................................................................................... 7
8 Server & Receiver................................................................................... 7
9 Choice of Ends & Service....................................................................... 7
10 Change of Ends.................................................................................... 7
11 Ball in Play............................................................................................ 8
12 Ball Touches a Line.............................................................................. 8
13 Ball Touches a Permanent Fixture....................................................... 8
14 Order of Service................................................................................... 8
15 Order of Receiving in Doubles............................................................. 8
16 The Service.......................................................................................... 9
17 Serving................................................................................................. 9
18 Foot Fault............................................................................................. 9
19 Service Fault........................................................................................ 9
20 Second Service.................................................................................... 10
21 When to Serve & Receive.................................................................... 10
22 The Let During a Serve........................................................................ 10
23 The Let................................................................................................. 10
24 Player Loses Point............................................................................... 10
25 A Good Return..................................................................................... 11
26 Hindrance............................................................................................. 12
27 Correcting Errors.................................................................................. 13
28 Role of Court Officials.......................................................................... 14
29 Continuous Play................................................................................... 14
30 Coaching.............................................................................................. 15
31 Player Analysis Technology................................................................. 16

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS

FOREWORD

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body of the game of tennis
and its duties and responsibilities include protecting the integrity of the game through determination
of the Rules of Tennis.

To assist the ITF in carrying out this responsibility, the ITF has appointed a Rules of Tennis
Committee that continually monitors the game and its rules, and when considered necessary,
makes recommendations for changes to the Board of Directors of the ITF who in turn make
recommendations to the Annual General Meeting of the ITF which is the ultimate authority for
making any changes to the Rules of Tennis.

Appendix V lists all known and approved alternative procedures and scoring methods. In
addition, on its own behalf or on application by
interested parties, certain variations to the rules may be approved by the ITF for trial purposes only
at a limited number of tournaments or events and/or for a limited time period. Such variations are
not included in the published rules and require a report to the ITF on the conclusion of the
approved trial.

Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules of

Tennis to the masculine includes the feminine gender.

Any reference to an Appendix is available in Friend at Court

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS

1. THE COURT

The court shall be a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 m) long and, for singles matches,
27 feet (8.23 m) wide. For doubles matches, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97 m) wide.
The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a cord or metal
cable which shall pass over or be attached to two net posts at a height of 3 ½ feet
(1.07 m). The net shall be fully extended so that it completely fills the space between
the two net posts and it must be of sufficiently small mesh to ensure that a ball cannot
pass through it. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) at the centre, where it
shall be held down tightly by a strap. A band shall cover the cord or metal cable and
the top of the net. The strap and band shall be completely white.
• The maximum diameter of the cord or metal cable shall be 1⁄3 inch (0.8 cm).
• The maximum width of the strap shall be 2 inches (5 cm).
• The band shall be between 2 inches (5 cm) and 2
1⁄2 inches (6.35 cm) deep on each side.
For doubles matches, the centres of the net posts shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside
the doubles court on each side.
For singles matches, if a singles net is used, the centres of the net posts shall be
3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side. If a doubles net is used, then
the net shall be supported, at a height of 31⁄2 feet (1.07 m), by two singles sticks, the
centres of which shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
• The net posts shall not be more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches
(15 cm) in diameter.
• The singles sticks shall not be more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches
(7.5 cm) in diameter.
• The net posts and singles sticks shall not be more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above
the top of the net cord.
The lines at the ends of the court are called baselines and the lines at the sides of
the court are called sidelines.
Two lines shall be drawn between the singles sidelines, 21 feet (6.40 m) from
each side of the net, parallel with the net. These lines are called the servicelines. On
each side of the net, the area between the serviceline and the net shall be divided into
two equal parts, the service courts, by the centre serviceline. The centre serviceline
shall be drawn parallel with the singles sidelines and half way between them.
Each baseline shall be divided in half by a centre mark, 4 inches (10 cm) in length,
which shall be drawn inside the court and parallel with the singles sidelines.
• The centre serviceline and centre mark shall be 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
• The other lines of the court shall be between 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 2 inches
(5 cm) wide, except that the baselines may be up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines and all lines of the
court shall be of the same color clearly contrasting with the color of the surface.
No advertising is allowed on the court, net, strap, band, net posts or singles sticks
except as provided in Appendix IV
.
In addition to the court described above, the court designated as “Red” and the court
designated as “Orange” in Appendix VII can be used for 10 and under tennis competition.

Note: Guidelines for minimum distances between the baseline and backstop
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
Guidelines for minimum distances between the baseline and backstops
and between the sidelines and sidestops can be found in Appendix IX.

USTA Comment 1.1: Net cord tension. Adjusting net cord tension is recommended before the
day’s first match and before each match. The ITF recommends net cord tension be between 1.8
kN and 2.0 kN with the tension of all nets at a facility within 0.1 kN of each other. This is
approximately equivalent to a net tension between 400 and 450 pounds with the tension of all nets
within 25 pounds of each other. Use a net tension device when available. When a device
is not available, loosen the center strap, tighten the net cord until the center of the net is
pproximately 39 inches (991 mm) above the ground, and tighten the center strap until the center of
the net is 36 inches (914mm) above the ground.

USTA Comment 1.2: Where should singles sticks be placed? The center of the singles sticks
should be placed 3 feet outside the outer edge of the singles lines and should be diagonally
opposite each other.

USTA Comment 1.3: What happens if a singles stick falls to the court during a point?
The point stops immediately and is replayed.

USTA Comment 1.4: A regular 78-foot court with permanent blended lines is suitable for
sanctioned play in divisions that require a 78-foot court.

USTA Comment 1.5: See Figures 7 and 8, which describe 36-foot courts
with nets 33 inches high at the center and 60-foot courts with nets 36 inches
high at the center.

2. PERMANENT FIXTURES

The permanent fixtures of the court include the backstops and sidestops, the
spectators, the stands and seats for spectators, all other fixtures around and above the
court, the Chair Umpire, Line Umpires, Net Umpire and ball persons when in their
recognized positions.
In a singles match played with a doubles net and singles sticks, the net posts and
the part of the net outside the singles sticks are permanent fixtures and are not
considered as net posts or part of the net.

3. THE BALL

Balls, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must comply with
the specifications in Appendix I.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any
ball or prototype complies with Appendix I or is otherwise approved, or not
approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken 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 (see Appendix XI).
The event organizers must announce in advance of the event:
a. The number of balls for play (2, 3, 4 or 6).
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
b. The ball change policy, if any.
Ball changes, if any, can be made either:
i. After an agreed odd number of games, in which case, the first ball
change in the match shall take place two games earlier than for the
rest of the match, to make allowance for the warm-up. A tie-break
game counts as one game for the ball change. A ball change shall
not take place at the beginning of a tie-break game. In this case, the
ball change shall be delayed until the beginning of the second game
of the next set; or
ii. At the beginning of a set
If a ball gets broken during play, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1: If a ball is soft at the end of a point, should the point be replayed?
Decision: If the ball is soft, not broken, the point shall not be replayed.

Note: Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis, must be
named on the official ITF list of approved balls by the International Tennis Federation.

USTA Comment 3.1: May a player cause a ball to become wet by using the ball to wipe
perspiration from the player’s body? No. A player may not take any action that materially changes
the condition of the ball; therefore, a player may not use a ball to wipe off perspiration.

4. THE RACKET

Rackets, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must comply
with the specifications in Appendix II.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket or prototype
complies with Appendix II 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 (see Appendix XI).
Case 1: Is more than one set of strings allowed on the hitting surface of a racket?
Decision: No. The rule mentions a pattern (not patterns) of crossed strings. (See Appendix II.)
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 vibration damping devices be placed on the strings of a racket? If so,
where can they be placed?
Decision: Yes, but these devices may only be placed outside the pattern of the
crossed strings.
Case 4: During a point, a player accidentally breaks the strings. Can the player
continue to play another point with this racket?
Decision: Yes, except where specifically prohibited by event organisers.
Case 5: Is a player allowed to use more than one racket at any time during play?
Decision: No.
Case 6: Can a battery that affects playing characteristics be incorporated into a
racket?
Decision: No. A battery is prohibited because it is an energy source, as are solar

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
cells and other similar devices.

5. SCORE IN A GAME

a. Standard game
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s score being called first:
No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
except that if each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce”.
After “Deuce”, the score is “Advantage” for the player/team who wins the
next point. If that same player/team also wins the next point, that player/team
wins the “Game”; if the opposing player/team wins the next point, the score
is again “Deuce”. A player/team needs to win two consecutive points
immediately after “Deuce” to win the “Game”.
b. Tie-break game
During a tie-break game, points are scored “Zero”,“1”, “2”, “3”, etc. The first
player/team to win seven points wins the “Game” and “Set”, pro vided there
is a margin of two points over the opponent(s). If necessary, the tie-break
game shall continue until this margin is achieved.
The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tie-
break game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent(s) (in
doubles, the player of the opposing team due to serve next). After this, each
player/team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of
the tie-break game (in doubles, the rotation of service within each team shall
continue in the same order as during that set).
The player/team whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall
be the receiver in the first game of the following set.
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V

USTA Comment 5.1: Hand signals or “Zero,” “one,” “two,” and “three,”
may be substituted for “Love,” “15,” “30,” and “40.”
USTA Comment 5.2: The tiebreak game should not be confused with
the 10-Point Match Tiebreak, which under certain circumstances may be played in lieu of the
deciding final set. The 10-Point Match Tiebreak is described in Appendix V.
USTA Comment 5.3: When do the players change ends during a tiebreak? Players change ends
after every six points and at the end of the tiebreak. (See Rule 10.) They shall change ends during
the tiebreak without a rest. See Appendix V for an exception when using the Coman Tiebreak
Procedure.

6. SCORE IN A SET

There are different methods of scoring in a set. The two main methods are the
“Advantage Set” and the “Tie-break Set”. Either method may be used provided that
the one to be used is announced in advance of the event. If the “Tie-break Set”
method is to be used, it must also be announced whether the final set will be played
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
as a “Tie-break Set” or an “Advantage Set”.
a. “Advantage Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there is a
margin of two games over the opponent(s). If necessary, the set shall
continue until this margin is achieved.
b. “Tie-break Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there is a
margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches six games
all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V.

7. SCORE IN A MATCH

A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (a player/team needs to win 2 sets to
win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (a player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the
match).
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V.

8. SERVER & RECEIVE

The players/teams shall stand on opposite sides of the net. The server is the player
who puts the ball into play for the first point. The receiver is the player who is ready
to return the ball served by the server.
Case 1: Is the receiver allowed to stand outside the lines of the court?
Decision: Yes. The receiver may take any position inside or outside the lines on the
receiver’s side of the net

9. CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE

The choice of ends and the choice to be server or receiver in the first game shall
be decided by toss before the warm-up starts. The player/team who wins the toss
may choose:
a. To be server or receiver in the first game of the match, in which case the
opponent(s) shall choose the end of the court for the first game of the match; or
b. The end of the court for the first game of the match, in which case the
opponent(s) shall choose to be server or receiver for the first game of the match; or
c. To require the opponent(s) to make one of the above choices.
Case 1: Do both players/teams have the right to new choices if the warm-up is
stopped and the players leave the court?
Decision: Yes. The result of the original toss stands, but new choices may be made
by both players/teams.

10. CHANGE OF ENDS

The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent
odd game of each set. The players shall also change ends at the end of each set unless
the total number of games in that set is even, in which case the players change ends
at the end of the first game of the next set.
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after every six points.
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix V
.
USTA Comment 10.1: When do the players change ends during a tiebreak that uses the Coman
Tiebreak Procedure? The Coman Tiebreak Procedure is identical to the regular procedure except
that the players change ends after the first point, then after every four points, and at the conclusion
of the tiebreak.
.
11. BALL IN PLAY

Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server hits
the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.

12. BALL TOUCHES A LINE

If a ball touches a line, it is regarded as touching the court bounded by that line.

13. BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE

If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture after it has hit the correct court, the player who hit
the ball wins the point. If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture before it hits the ground, the
player who hit the ball loses the point.

USTA Comment 13.1: What happens if a ball hits an object attached to the net or post (such as a
scoring device) or the top of the net outside the singles stick and then lands in the court?
The player who hit the ball loses the point because it hit a permanent fixture before landing in the
court.

14.ORDER OF SERVICE

At the end of each standard game, the receiver shall become the server and the server shall
become the receiver for the next game.
In doubles, the team due to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which player shall
serve for that game. Similarly, before the second game starts, their opponents shall decide which
player shall serve for that game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve
in the third game and the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the
fourth game. This rotation shall continue until the end of the set.

USTA Comment 14.1: May a doubles team switch its serving order at the beginning of a Match
Tiebreak? Yes.

15. ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES

The team which is due to receive in the first game of a set shall decide which player shall
receive the first point in the game. Similarly, before the second game starts, their opponents shall
decide which player shall receive the first point of that game. The player who was the receiver’s
partner for the first point of the game shall receive the second point and this rotation shall continue
until the end of the game and the set.
After the receiver has returned the ball, either player in a team can hit the ball.

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
Case 1: Is one member of a doubles team allowed to play alone against the
opponents?
Decision: No.

USTA Comment 15.1: On the first point of a set, may a doubles team
position both players on the deuce side of the court? Yes, but the server is
entitled to know which member of the receiving team is going to receive the
first point of a set.

USTA Comment 15.2: May a doubles team switch its receiving order at
the beginning of any set or Match Tiebreak? Yes.

16. THE SERVICE

Immediately before starting the service motion, the server shall stand at rest with both feet
behind (i.e. further from the net than) the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the
centre mark and the sideline.
The server shall then release the ball by hand in any direction and hit the ball with the racket
before the ball hits the ground. The service motion is completed at the moment that the player’s
racket hits or misses the ball. A player who is able to use only one arm may use the racket for the
release of the ball.

17. SERVING

When serving in a standard game, the server shall stand behind alternate halves
of the court, starting from the right half of the court in every game.
In a tie-break game, the service shall be served from behind alternate halves of the
court, with the first served from the right half of the court
The service shall pass over the net and hit the service court diagonally opposite, before the
receiver returns it.

18. FOOT FAULT

During the service motion, the server shall not:

a. Change position by walking or running, although slight movements of the feet
are permitted; or
b. Touch the baseline or the court with either foot; or
c. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline with either
foot; or
d. Touch the imaginary extension of the centre mark with either foot.
If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot Fault”.
Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed to serve standing behind the part
of the baseline between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both feet off the ground?
Decision: Yes.

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
19. SERVICE FAULT

The service is a fault if:

a. The server breaks Rules16, 17, or 18; or
b. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it; or
c. The ball served touches a permanent fixture, singles stick or net post before
it hits the ground; or
d. The ball served touches the server or server’s partner, or anything the server
or server’s partner is wearing or carrying.
Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and catches it
instead. Is this a fault?
Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit it, is allowed
to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let the ball bounce.
Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with net posts and singles
sticks, the ball served hits a singles stick and then hits the correct service court. Is
this a fault?
Decision: Yes.

20.SECOND SERVICE

If the first service is a fault, the server shall serve again without delay from behind
the same half of the court from which that fault was served, unless the service was
from the wrong half.

21. WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE

The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall
play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a
reasonable time of the server being ready.
A receiver who attempts to return the service shall be considered as being
ready. If it is demonstrated that the receiver is not ready, the service cannot be
called a fault.

22.THE LET DURING A SERVE

The service is a let if:

a. 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 the receiver’s
partner or anything they wear or carry before hitting the ground; or
b. The ball is served when the receiver is not ready. In the case of a service let, that
particular service shall not count, and the server shall serve again, but a service let does not
cancel a previous fault. Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in
Appendix V.

23.THE LET

In all cases when a let is called, except when a service let is called on a second
service, the whole point shall be replayed.
Case 1: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls onto court. A let is called. The
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
server had previously served a fault. Is the server now entitled to a first service or
second service?
Decision: First service. The whole point must be replayed.

24.PLAYER LOSES POINT

The point is lost if:

a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or
b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice
consecutively; or
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before it
bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or
d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a permanent
fixture; or
e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or
f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket or
deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or
g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything
which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles
sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time
while the ball is in play; or
h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or
i The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is wearing or
carrying, except the racket; or
j The ball in play touches the racket when the player is not holding it; or
k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the racket when
the ball is in play; or
l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.
Case 1: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s
hand and touches the net before the ball has bounced. Is this a service fault, or does
the server lose the point?
Decision: The server loses the point because the racket touches the net while the
ball is in play.
Case 2: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s
hand and touches the net after the ball has bounced outside the correct service court.
Is this a service fault, or does the server lose the point?
Decision. This is a service fault because when the racket touched the net the ball
was no longer in play.
Case 3. In a doubles match, the receiver’s partner touches the net before the ball
that has been served touches the ground outside the correct service court. What is the
correct decision?
Decision: The receiving team loses the point because the receiver’s partner
touched the net while the ball was in play.
Case 4: Does a player lose the point if an imaginary line in the extension of the net
is crossed before or after hitting the ball?
Decision: The player does not lose the point in either case provided the player
does not touch the opponent’s court.
Case 5. Is a player allowed to jump over the net into the opponent’s court while
the ball is in play?
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
Decision. No. The player loses the point.
Case 6. A player throws the racket at the ball in play. Both the racket and the ball
land in the court on the opponent’s side of the net and the opponent(s) is unable to
reach the ball. Which player wins the point?
Decision. The player who threw the racket at the ball loses the point.
Case 7. A ball that has just been served hits the receiver or in doubles the receiver’s
partner before it touches the ground. Which player wins the point?
Decision. The server wins the point, unless it is a service let.
Case 8. A player standing outside the court hits the ball or catches it before it
bounces and claims the point because the ball was definitely going out of th
correct court.
Decision. The player loses the point, unless it is a good return, in which case the
point continues.

USTA Comment 24.1: Does the clashing of rackets make the return illegal? No, unless it is clear
that more than one racket touched the ball.
USTA Comment 24.2: Does a player who touches a pipe support that runs across the court at the
bottom of the net lose the point? Yes. The pipe support is considered a part of the net except
when a ball hits it, in which case the pipe support is considered part of the court.

25.A GOOD RETURN

It is a good return if:

a. The ball touches the net, 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 correct court; except as provided in Rule 2 and 24 (d); or
b. After the ball in play has hit the ground within the correct court and has spun
or been blown back over the net, the player reaches over the net and plays the
ball into the correct court, provided that the player does not break Rule 24; or
c. The ball is returned outside the net posts, either above or below the level of
the top of the net, even though it touches the net posts, provided that it hits
the ground in the correct court; except as provided in Rules 2 and 24 (d); or
d. The ball passes under the net cord between the singles stick and the adjacent
net post without touching either net, net cord or net post and hits the ground
in the correct court; or
e. The player’s racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on the player’s
own side of the net and the ball hits the ground in the correct court; or
f. The player hits the ball in play, which hits another ball lying in the correct
court.
Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a singles stick and hits the ground
in the correct court. Is this is a good return?
Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and hits the singles stick, it is a
service fault.
Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is lying in the correct court. What is
the correct decision?
Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear that the actual ball in play has
been returned, a let should be called.

26. HINDRANCE
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If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s),

the player shall win the point.
However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by
either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player’s own
control (not including a permanent fixture).
Case 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance?
Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (f).
Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because the player thought that the
opponent(s) was being hindered. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No, the player loses the point.
Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the court. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed.
Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that was lying on the player’s side of
the net when the point started hinders the player. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No.
Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner and receiver’s partner allowed
to stand?
Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s partner may take any position on
their own side of the net, inside or outside the court. However, if a player is creating a
hindrance to the opponent(s), the hindrance rule should be used.

27. CORRECTING ERRORS

As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered,

all points previously played shall stand. Errors so discovered shall be corrected as
follows:
a. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if a player serves from the wrong
half of the court, this should be corrected as soon as the error is discovered
and the server shall serve from the correct half of the court according to the
score. A fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand.
b. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if the players are at the wrong
ends of the court, the error should be corrected as soon as it is discovered and
the server shall serve from the correct end of the court according to the score.
c. If a player serves out of turn during a standard game, the player who was
originally due to serve shall serve as soon as the error is discovered.
However, if a game is completed before the error is discovered the order of
service shall remain as altered. In this case, any ball change to be made
after an agreed number of games should be made one game later than
originally scheduled.
A fault that was served by the opponents(s) before the error was discovered
shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was
Served before the error was discovered shall stand.
d. If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break game and the error is discovered
after an even number of points have been played, the error is corrected
immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd number of points have been
layed, the order of service shall remain as altered. A fault that was served by the
opponent(s) before the error was discovered shall not stand. In doubles, if the partners of
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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
one team serve out of turn, a fault that was served before the error was discovered shall
stand.
e. During a standard game or a tie-break game in doubles, if there is an error in
the order of receiving, this shall remain as altered until the end of the game in
which the error is discovered. For the next game in which they are the receivers
in that set, the partners shall then resume the original order of receiving.
f. If in error a tie-break game is started at 6 games all, when it was previously
agreed that the set would be an “Advantage Set”, the error shall be corrected
immediately if only one point has been played. If the error is discovered
after the second point is in play, the set will continue as a “Tie-break Set”.
g. If in error a standard game is started at 6 games all, when it was previously
agreed that the set would be a “Tie-break Set”, the error shall be corrected immediately if
only one point has been played. If the error is discovered after the second point is in play,
the set will continue as an “Advantage Set” until the score reaches 8 games all (or a
higher
even number), when a tie-break game shall be played.
h. If in error an “Advantage Set” or “Tie-break Set” is started, when it was previously agreed
that the final set would be a match tie-break, the error shall be corrected immediately if
only one point has been played. If the error is discovered after the second point is in play,
the set will continue either until a player or team wins three games (and therefore the set)
or until the score reaches 2 games all, when a match tie-break shall be played. However, if the
error is discovered after the second point of the fifth game has started, the set will continue as a
“Tie-break Set”. (See Appendix V.)
i. If the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the error shall be corrected when
the player/team who should have served with new balls is next due to serve a new
game. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that the number of games between ball
changes shall be that originally agreed. Balls should not be changed during a game.

28. ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS

For matches where officials are appointed, their roles and responsibilities can be
found in Appendix VI
.
29. CONTINUOUS PLAY

As a principle, play should be continuous, from the time the match starts (when
the first service of the match is put in play) until the match finishes.
a. Between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed. When the
players change ends at the end of a game, a maximum of ninety (90)
seconds are allowed. However, after the first game of each set and during a
tie-break game, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends
without a rest.

USTA Comment 29.1: The 20-second time limit does not apply if a player
has to chase a stray ball.

At the end of each set there shall be a set break of a maximum of one
hundred and twenty (120) seconds.

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
The maximum time starts from the moment that one point finishes until the first service is struck
for the next point.
Event organizers may apply for ITF approval to extend the ninety (90)
seconds allowed when the players change ends at the end of a game and
the one hundred and twenty (120) seconds allowed at a set break.
b. If, for reasons outside the player’s control, clothing, footwear or necessary
equipment (excluding the racket) is broken or needs to be replaced, the player
may be allowed reasonable extra time to rectify the problem.
c. No extra time shall be given to allow a player to recover condition. However, a
player suffering from a treatable medical condition may be allowed one
medical timeout of three minutes for the treatment of that medical condition.
A limited number of toilet/change of attire breaks may also be allowed, if this
is announced in advance of the event.
d. Event organizers may allow a rest period of a maximum of ten (10) minutes if
this is announced in advance of the event. This rest period can be taken after the
3rd set in a best of 5 sets match, or after the 2nd set in a best of 3 sets match.
e. The warm-up time shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes, unless
otherwise decided by the event organizers.

USTA Comment 29.2: When are the players entitled to another warm-up after their match has
been suspended? The players are entitled to a re-warm-up of the same duration as the original
warm-up if a match has been suspended for more than 15 minutes. They are not entitled to a re-
warm-up after a rest period. When possible, used balls other than the match balls should be used
for the re-warm-up, and the match balls should be used only once play resumes. If match balls are
used for the re-warm-up and balls are being changed after a designated number of games, the
next ball change occurs two games sooner.

30.COACHING

Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of any kind and

by any means to a player.
In team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team captain may
coach the player(s) during a set break and when the players change ends at the end
of a game, but not when the players change ends after the first game of each set and
not during a tie-break game.
In all other matches, coaching is not allowed.
Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the coaching is given by signals in
a discreet way?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when play is suspended?
Decision: Yes.
Case 3: Is a player allowed to receive on-court coaching during a match?
Decision: Sanctioning bodies may apply to the ITF to have on-court coaching
allowed. In events where on-court coaching is allowed, designated coaches may
enter the court and coach their players under procedures decided by the
sanctioning body.

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 PART 1-ITF RULES OF TENNIS
USTA Comment 30.1: A player may bring to the court written notes that were prepared before
the start of the match and may read these notes during the match. While on court or during a
match, a player may not receive information via electronic devices capable of receiving
communications such as cell phones and smartwatches.
USTA Comment 30.2: Is coaching permitted during a rest period? Yes. Coaching is permitted
during a 3-minute or 10-minute rest period. However, coaching is not allowed in the following
situations:
• A toilet/change of attire break;
• A 2-minute set break;
• A Medical timeout;
• Bleeding timeout;
• When players remain on court for a short stoppage of play such as during slight rain
or repair of the net or net strap;
• When a player leaves the court seeking the assistance of the Referee; or
• When equipment or clothing is being adjusted.

31. PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY

Player analysis technology, that is approved for play under the Rules of Tennis,
must comply with the specifications in Appendix III.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any
such equipment is approved, or not approved. Such ruling may be taken 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
(see Appendix XI).

FOR all Appendix references are available in Friend at Court

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