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          NORTHERN AND MIDWEST
          REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

          2/8 - 2/14

          SAP Open
          San Jose, Calif.

          2/8 - 2/14

          ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
          Rotterdam, Netherlands

          2/8 - 2/14

          Brasil Open
          Costa do Sauipe, Brazil

          2/8 - 2/14

          Open GDF SUEZ
          Paris, France

          2/8 - 2/14

          PTT Pattaya Open
          Pattaya City, Thailand

          Schedule
          Tennis on TV
          Tennis TipsPlayer to PlayerHealth & FitnessThe Final WordVideo Instruction
          Below you will find answers to past questions that have been submitted to USTA.com's The Final Word column.  Search the categories to the right if you're interested in particular knowledge areas.

          Date

          Topic

          2010
          1/28/10 The Challenge Rule
          1/22/10 Choosing a Side
          2009
          9/30/09 Playing on Clay and Challenges
          7/2/09 Doubles
          6/12/09 Umpire and Linesman Calls
          5/22/09 Calling a Let
          5/8/09 Vibration Dampeners
          4/24/09 The Final Word: Hindrances & Net Calls
          4/3/09 Making the Right Call
          2008
          7/18/08  Hindrance Issues
          5/22/08 Serves
          4/11/08 Making Calls
          3/6/08 Serving
          2007
          11/21/07 Called Due To Darkness
          11/19/07 Hitting Gloves
          11/9/07 What's The Call?
          10/19/07 Where The Ball Bounces
          10/12/07 Inclement Weather
          9/27/07 Serving Out Of Turn
          7/31/07 Settling Scores
          7/24/07 Serving Rules
          7/13/07 Chalking Up
          7/6/07 Off Sides
          6/22/07 Time Out
          6/15/07 Let Love
          6/8/07 Distractions
          6/1/07 Doubles Troubles
          5/18/07 Change Overs
          5/11/07 Court Lines
          5/4/07 Coaching Matches
          4/26/07 Rosters & Uncertain Calls
          4/20/07 Changing Racquets
          4/5/07 Choosing Sides
          3/23/07 Hitting The Net Post
          3/16/07 Making Calls
          3/2/07 Scoring
          2/23/07 Calling Shots
          2/16/07 Better To Receive
          2/9/07 "Let"s Just Play
          2/1/07 Double It Up
          1/25/07 Double Hit
          1/19/07 Errant Shots
          1/12/07 Gimme a Break
          12/20/06 Doubles Dose

          About the Author:

          Since 1997, Richard Kaufman has served as Director of Officials for the USTA and Chief Umpire of the US Open. He is currently an ITF Certified Gold Badge Chief Umpire and an ITF Certified Silver Badge Referee, and has been a USTA Certified Official since 1977. Kaufman, formally an ITF Gold Badge Chair Umpire, officiated as the Chair Umpire for the US Open Men's Final (1983, 1987, 1996), US Open Women's Final (1988 and 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 Men’s Masters Finals between 1985 and 1996.

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          The Final Word:

          Click here to send your burning questions about the rules of tennis along with your name and town.

          Knowledge Areas: 

          • Distractions/ Interference 
          • Doubles
          • Equipment & Gear 
          • Etiquette 
          • Injuries
          • Leagues 
          • Rulings 
          • Serving/Receiving 
          • Weather Conditions/Elements

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