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: I was warming up for my USTA League doubles match when all of a sudden I stretched to hit a ball and pulled a muscle. I knew I would not be able to play the match, but didn’t want to let my team down and default the match. What were my team’s options? 

 

Answer: No need to be a statue on court while your partner covers the entire court.  Lineups are set in stone and no substitutions can be made once the captains exchange prior to the match. However, like all good rules, there is an exception. Substitution is allowed if a player injures themselves during the warm-up.  (USTA League Regulation 2.01C(5) )

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If the substitution is made, the substitute player is entitled to a five minute warm-up. 

 

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