The Final Word: Serving Rules

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...

 
Richard W.

Up until the '50s or '60s, a service fault occurred if the server failed to keep at least one foot on the ground after his/her racquet contacted the ball.  In what year did the rule change to permit the server to become completely airborne before striking the ball? 

KAUFMAN: I am not sure of the exact year, but it was in the late '50s I believe.

Phyllis (from Tucson, AZ)

What is the highest rating a player can achieve, of course, before a professional?

KAUFMAN: I believe it is 6.0.

Miguel Z. (from Miami, FL)

A right-handed player serving has his feet on the add court, but he’s so close to the center line that when he tosses the ball up to serve, the ball crosses into the deuce court in the air right before he serves it.

He claims his feet are on the add court and, therefore, is a legal serve. Is this a valid serve? Is it only where your feet are positioned when you serve that matters, or is it also where you actually make contact with the ball?

KAUFMAN: When in contact with the court, the feet must be in the proper side. It is not based on the contact of the ball or if the feet swing in the air but are not in contact with the court.

BK (from Greensboro, NC)

I know that on a serve, if the receiving team returns the serve in play but his partner calls it out (even if it was good), you play a let. Is the ruling the same during a point? We were playing in a match, and my partner hit a good shot, but his partner called the shot wide when, in fact, it was good. We replayed the point. Was this the right ruling, or was the point ours?

KAUFMAN: You can play a let if the ball is put back in play.  We do ask players that if the return would be in play but would have been an easy put away for the opponents that the opponents should be given the point.

Gary C.

Which takes precedent – the server's right to serve at his/her own pace or the receiver's right to take his full 25 seconds between points?

KAUFMAN: In most events (with the exception of collegiate events), the receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the server and may not take 25 seconds between points.

Unless clarified, the above reference to 25 seconds can be misleading. Since a good portion of our readers are USTA League players and fall under the 20 seconds, we need to emphasize that the pros get 25 seconds, while the ITA and USTA player is allowed only 20 seconds between points. It was good to note the difference that receivers in ITA matches enjoy, contrasted to the reasonable-pace rule that USTA players must adhere to.

Thanks!!  Keep up the good work.

KAUFMAN:  Yes, and thanks, Dennis, you are correct. At some events, the time is 20 seconds between points.

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