How to Lose a Point: The Ball Bounce Matters
The most simple way a point can be lost per this rule is the ball that bounces on the correct side of the net, but out. But where is the fun in writing about that?
How to Lose a Tennis Point: Double Bounce
I have been resisting the temptation to write about aspects of rules that are not introduced until later in “The Code,” but since that is where the widely recognized term double bounce appears, I am going to make an exception.
How to Lose a Point in Tennis
This project finally moves into my expert territory. Section 24 of the 2020 USTA Friend at Court is titled “Player Loses Point.” I would contend that there is no other player better equipped to cover this topic than me.
1 responseThe Tennis 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.
6 responsesTwo Serves or Not Two Serves, That is the Question
In the “History of the Service Let” we discussed that there really isn’t a satisfactory reason recorded as to why the service let even exists. One speculative reason is that the rule is in place because the server already has too much of an advantage with two opportunities at first strike of the ball. This brings us to the obvious question as to why the server is granted two serves at all.
Service Let Approved Alternative Procedures
I am happy to report that the approved alternative scoring procedures pertaining to the service let are the only remaining scoring variations to cover. With this post, we have completed all the material in Appendix V of the ITF Rules of Tennis.
Additional Let Rules
In “Not Quite Ready to Receive” it was discussed that if the receiver is not ready then the serve cannot be called a fault. I missed the subtlety of the usage of the word fault in that coverage of the rule. It was clear that the serve cannot be counted against the receiver if the receiver is not ready. The nuance is that the serve cannot be counted against the server either if it does not fall in.
The Let During a Serve
The word let, when used as a noun, is literally defined as “something that impedes: obstruction.” The idiom “without let or hindrance” is commonly used in British law to mean “without being interfered with.” With those two sentences this project has now covered the full spectrum of possible content gravitas, ranging from language arts on one end to funny YouTube videos on the other.
Not Quite Ready to Receive
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.
Reasonable Pace of Play
At the professional level, Rafael Nadal is the patron saint of slow play. Roger Federer has long been critical of Nadal’s pace of play, albiet it in the most gentlemanly way possible.