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 through a Q&A with USTA Director of Officials Richard Kaufman.
On to this week's questions and responses...
Q: Yesterday I was playing doubles and was on the baseline when they hit a dropshot. I saw it early enough to get there and hit a winner. The ball bounced twice on their side but after that I lost my balance and ran into the net. I conceded the point to them but my partner said that since the ball bounced twice on their side that it ended the point and the net was not a factor after that. I find some credibility in his assessment and it has me wondering if he could be correct. What's the official ruling here.
Fred F.
KAUFMAN: Your partner is correct. Once the ball has bounced twice or hit a permanent fixture, the point is over and running into the net is not an issue.
I'm playing doubles, and I'm serving to the deuce court. The receiver's partner is standing very close to the "T". I try and serve to the "T", but my serve is a little off, and the ball hits the receiver's partner in the chest. Is this a fault with a second serve coming, or does the server get the point?
Skip N. (from Tallahassee, FL)
KAUFMAN: The server wins the point. Any serve that hits an opposing player prior to the bounce no matter where they are standing, is point to the server. A let that hits an opponent prior to the bounce is a let.
If I return a ball from behind the baseline without seeing where it bounced, or return a serve that I thought was on the line but my doubles partner clearly saw was out, can my partner call it out and end the point? Or if I see that the ball is out but already started my swing and I return it, can I call it out and end the point if I speak up immediately? What's the ruling in these situations?
Bonnie W. (from Columbus GA)
KAUFMAN: You and your partner may call any shot on your side of the court. Your call must be made immediately and that call may come after your reflex return. If you and your partner disagree, the benefit of the doubt goes to your opponent, and the ball is good.
Q: After watching the Radwanska v Sharapova match at the 2007 US Open, our tennis team began debating the tactics used by Radwanska. As Sharapova served, Radwanska would move in half way between the baseline and service box and 'bounce around' while waiting for the serve. Just prior to the serve, Radwanska would move back towards the baseline to return the serve. We all agree that the ITF rule allows Radwanska to stand where she pleases. We're divided however on whether she can 'bounce around' while receiving the serve. Is it a hindrance? Or, is it gamesmanship that is within the rules?
Tyrone M (from Herndon, VA)
KAUFMAN: The receiver is allowed to move anywhere prior to the point. They may not make loud noises, stomp feet, or wave their arms, but they may move and bounce into different positions.
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 | |