The fundamental truth about the choice of ends and service is that the selection really does not matter all that much. Due to the structure of the game, any advantage from playing from either end evens out over the course of a match.
Yesterday I observed that in doubles that it makes sense to defer because it guarantees the deferring side the chance to set their preferred service order and side. The downside if that objective is not achieved is limited. The worst case scenario is that the losing team might have to serve out of their preferred service order or serve from the less preferred ends.
As I wrote about yesterday, I think this is something that players should usually give a little more thought to. At the same time, this is an area that can also be over-thought. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
The considerations for singles and doubles are slightly different from each other. As it turns out, singles players have to serve from both ends of the court. Consequently, singles players should be comfortable serving from either end under any conditions. If this is not the case for you, grab a basket of balls and fix that.
Brad Gilbert, Olympic Gold Medalist and ESPN commentator writes in his book “Winning Ugly” that he prefers to receive first in singles. There are two advantages to this. First, the second to serve in a match does so after the flow has been established. The likelihood of a jittery first game comes when the opponent is expected to hold serve anyway. The second advantage is that the second to serve will do so after sitting down at the change of ends at least in the firs set. Fresher legs might make a difference.
The decision is more complex for doubles since there are four players and each player will serve only from one end. If there is a lefty on either team and the sun is out, that should be a consideration. Sometimes players serves are better either with or against the wind. It should also be factored in if one partner has a stronger serve than the other.
My recommendation is that each team and player discuss the service order and side before taking the court and have a consensus idea of their preferred configuration. I also advise to evaluate the other team to determine what their preferences are likely to be. Sometimes making choices to deny what the opposition might want might be the higher priority.
Overthinking the rules of tennis. It’s what this project is all about.
- Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis–Lessons from a Master, Brad Gilbert, Touchstone, 1994.
