The Rules of Tennis
I rarely sit down when I play tennis. I have found that for me, any benefits of rest from sitting are negated by the fact that if I stop moving I tend to stiffen up. Besides, it it embarrassing when I have to ask my opponent for help getting back up.
Most players seem to be aware that the rules specify the maximum rest time when changing ends of the court. However, I have found that some players are not aware that play is continuous following the first game of a set and during a tie-break game.
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.
ITF Rules of Tennis, USTA Friend at Court, 29(a)
The general officiating interpretation is that players may stop at the bench to towel off and for hydration following the first game. However, players are not permitted to sit down. That is the way that the rule is enforced at both the recreational and the professional level.
Serena Williams has the habit of changing ends following the first game of a set on the opposite side of the net from the umpire chair. Thus, she forgoes hydration all together. The following clip is from the US Open Semi Finals this year which illustrates the first game side change differences between Serena and Victoria Azarenka.
I very much subscribe to the theory that the key to staying well hydrated is to drink before you feel thirsty. I always stop for that quick swig following the first game. That is an example of yet another way that I am not like Serena. It’s a pretty long list, now that I think about it.
Referenced Sources
- United States Tennis Association (2020) Friend at Court. White Plains, NY
