The Rules Of Tennis

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The Singles Game

23. Tennis Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the tennis ball in play touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground, the tennis player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins the point.

USTA Comment: A tennis ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the tennis net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20 e. for a tennis player who touches a pipe support.

Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The tennis player claims that the ball was going into Court.
Decision: He loses the point.