What's the Call: Blowin' in the Wind

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: On a very windy day, my opponent hit a ball that bounced on my side of the court and then went back over the net without me hitting it.  I thought it was my point because the ball ended up on my opponent’s side. Who wins the point? 

Answer: Depending on how it is blowing, wind could be your best friend or worst enemy in a match.  The wind is not, however, your invisible doubles partner who can help return a ball on your behalf. Once your opponent’s ball bounced on your side of the court, you must use your racquet to make contact with the ball. Even if the wind blows the ball back into your opponent’s court, you can hit the ball as long as you don’t touch the net.  (ITF Rule 24 & 25)

**

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