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 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 responsesThe Net-Cord Stroke
This seems like a good time to inject a topic that is not in the ITF Rules of Tennis, but nevertheless is apparently debated from time to time. We have recently discussed the fact that if a service clips the net cord and falls in, then a let is played. On all other shots, a net-cord strike is basically tough luck. Once again… wait for it… we really don’t know why the distinction even exists.
Two 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.
History of the Service Let
The first usage of the word let in lawn tennis appeared in 1878, but that was not specific to the serve, but rather outside obstruction or interference, such as “an obtrusive dog running across the court, or anything of that kind.” I need to pause here for a moment to note that containing such specific examples would certainly spice up the modern ITF rules of tennis.
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.
Second Chances, Second Serve
In tennis, the server has two chances to put the ball into play on each point. Today’s topic is the section of the Rules of Tennis that brings the concept of two serves into the game.
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.