Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. In fact, it happened to me during a Singles match at the Level 1 National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships just last week. After taking a break at the end of the first set, we accidentally started the second set from the wrong ends of the court. We changed ends when we should have each returned to our original side. Oops.
As my opponent served at 0-30 in the first game, it occurred to me we might be on the wrong side. However, I was still working it out as the point quickly concluded, and my opponent served at 0-40. I won that point to end the game. I knew for sure we had made an error as we approached the benches for the 0-1 changeover. A spectator asked us if we had started the set on the wrong ends, which of course we had.
While I have written about this aspect of the rules before, to the best of my recollection, this is the first time I have been personally involved in this type of error. However, based on how long it took me to confidently work it out once I suspected we had messed up, for all I know, I do this all the time.
The ITF Rules of Tennis include a principle that all previous points played, and consequently also the game, stand.
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered, all points previously played shall stand.
ITF Rules of Tennis, Rule 27b
We both agreed that the game would stand, even though it was played on the wrong end. There was no dispute on that point. However, the next question is how the error should be corrected. The following is the most pertinent part of Rule 27, Correcting Errors.
During a standard game or a tie-breakgame, 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.
ITF Rules of Tennis, Rule 27b
I expressed to my opponent that I thought the correct way to continue per the rules was to not change sides at 0-1. That would be consistent with having the server on the correct end per the score. That would also have us play three consecutive games from the same side. However, I also offered to continue the match from whichever side she preferred.
The discussion attracted the attention of one of the roving officials who came to the court. Interestingly enough, his interpretation of the rule was that we should go ahead and switch sides at 0-1. I was pretty sure that was wrong, but it didn’t seem worth asking for the referee under the circumstances. My opponent said that she was OK with switching, so that is how the match continued.
In retrospect, our initial error was compounded by a second error of not correcting the initial error in accordance with the rules. The fact that the second mistake was at the direction of the official is just the icing on the cake. However, we may not have explained the situation to him adequately.
In many other scenarios, the error in the sides could make a big difference due to wind or sun conditions. Additionally, this rule is much more complicated and impactful in doubles. However, I also believe it would be much less likely to occur in that situation due to the number of players involved. Additionally, the fact that players only serve from one end in a doubles set would be an additional reminder.
Again, the whole episode in my match was absent any drama or controversy. I think we were both a little embarrassed at the error but also in agreement that it really didn’t matter in our case. I did give her the heads-up that I was likely to write about it this week.
- Friend at Court: The Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2024
- ITF Rules of Tennis, International Tennis Federation, 2024.
IN the absence of any better advice, I would have said you were correct and the roving official was wrong.
The main point is, though you both addressed the issue and ‘moved’ on without an extended argument.
Well done.