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Calling a Foot Fault on the USTA

Shortly after I started this project, the USTA published a rules column on their national web page with a rules question about the foot fault. The “What’s the Call” section is updated monthly with a new topic. At best what was published in that particular column is misleading. Alternatively, it is flat out wrong.

Foot Fault Melt Downs

The most famously epic meltdown over a foot fault call was Serena Williams against Kim Clijsters in the 2009 US Open semifinals. Serena was down a set and serving at 5-6, 15-30 when a foot fault was called on a second serve, resulting in two match points for Clijsters.

Foot Fault!

The Foot Fault rule in tennis is somewhat unique in the USTA Friend at Court/ITF Rules of Tennis. It is the first section that consists exclusively as a litany of things that the server is prohibited from doing.

Serving it Up

This section contains the description of where the server stands and the fact that the position alternates sides each point. Additionally it is indicated that that the first serve is delivered from the right half of the court in every game.