The Rules Of Tennis

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The Singles Game

13. The Let
In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
a. When called solely in respect of a service that one service only shall be replayed.
b. When called under any other circumstance, the point shall be replayed.

Case 1. A service is interrupted by some cause outside those defined in Rule 14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision: No, the whole point must be replayed.

USTA Comment: If the interruption occurs during delivery of the second service, the Server gets two serves. Example: On a second service a linesman calls "fault" and immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile having let the tennis ball go by. The Server is entitled to two serves, on this ground: The corrected call means that the Server has put the tennis ball into play with a good service, and once the tennis ball is in play and a let is called, the point must be replayed. Note, however, that if the serve is an unmistakable ace-that is, the Umpire is sure the erroneous call had no part in the Receiver's inability to play the tennis ball-the point should be declared for the Server.

If a delay between first and second serves is caused by the Receiver, by an official or by an outside interference the whole point shall be replayed; if the delay is caused by the Server, the Server has one serve to come. A spectator's outcry (of "out," "fault" or other) is not a valid basis for replay of a point, but action should be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Case 2. If a tennis ball in play becomes broken, should a let be called?
Decision: Yes

USTA Comment: A tennis ball shall be regarded as having become "broken" if, in the opinion of the Umpire, it is found to have lost compression to the point of being unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason, and it is clear the defective tennis ball was the one in play.