Have you ever had a dispute with a fellow player over a call on the court that you couldn’t settle? Maybe you’re just curious about how some scenarios, from the common to the ridiculous, are resolved.

 

Question: During my singles match, a very loud car drove down the street behind my opponent when he was hitting the ball and he called a let. I've never had anyone call a let from an off-court noise such as a car, airplane or helicopter. Can they call a let?

 

Answer: No, a player is not entitled to a let due to noise arising from other courts or outside the playing area (including cars driving by the tennis courts). Rule 26 defines when a player is entitled to: (i) play a let for an unintentional hindrance, or (ii) claim the point for an intentional hindrance.

 

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For the "Friend at Court" handbook and more information on the rules of tennis, visit the rules and regulations homepage.