Have you ever had a dispute with a fellow player over a call on the court that you couldn’t settle? Or have you ever wondered why a certain ruling was made during a match you were watching? Maybe you’re just curious about how some scenarios, from the common to the ridiculous, are resolved.
The USTA constantly receives these types of questions from players and fans, so we figured it’s about time we provided a forum in which queries about rules can be answered. Thus, we present to you The Final Word.
Readers can send their burning questions about the rules of tennis along with their name and town to FinalWord@USTA.com. Each week, we will select submissions and supply the definitive rulings though a Q&A with USTA Director of Officials Richard Kaufman.
On to this week's questions and responses...
Ron H. (from Oakland, CA)
I am confused about seemingly contradictory statements in Rule 27c.
Regarding serving out of turn, it states "a fault that was served by the opponents(s) [sic] before the error was discovered shall not stand."
Immediately after that it states "in doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand."
Would you please clarify this for me?
KAUFMAN. If the opponents were to serve, they are not penalized for the error and they are given a first serve. If the wrong partner on the team served out of turn, the other player on that team serves but carries the fault from his/her partner and are not rewarded for their error with a first serve.
John W. (Harperville, CA)
What is the rule about using the restroom during the match? Does the player have to ask the permission of an official? Are you only allowed to take a restroom break between sets?
A. USTA Regulations (not professional) state that a reasonable time is permitted for bon a fide bathroom breaks and toilet breaks may be taken at any time. It is encouraged to take these breaks on changeovers and set breaks if it is not an emergency. If officials are present they must be informed to be sure there is a genuine need and that there is no coaching during the break.
Luke H. (from Elkhart, IN)
I've heard different answers to this situation. Is the ball good if it hits a score card and remains in play?
KAUFMAN. No. If the ball hits the scoreboard on the net, the player who hit that shot loses the point.
Steve S. (from Boise, Idaho)
Is chalk, rosin and other forms of grip aids legal to use during tournament play?
KAUFMAN. Yes, as long as the aid does not get on the ball or strings that would affect the ball or strings in anyway.
Past Articles:
Since 1997, Richard Kaufman has served as Director of Officials for the USTA and Chief Umpire of the US Open. He's an ITF Certified Gold Badge Chief Umpire and an ITF Certified Silver Badge Referee, and has been a USTA Certified Official since 1977. Kaufman has also worked as the Chair Umpire for the US Open men's final (1983, 1987, 1996), US Open women's final (1988, 1995), the Australian Open men's final (1987), the Wimbledon men's doubles final (1987), the French Open men's doubles final (1988), and the Masters Cup final (1985-96). | | The Final Word - Past Articles | |