The Rules Of Tennis

(Click Here To Return To Table Of Contents)

The Singles Game

4. The Tennis Racket
Tennis rackets failing to comply with the following specifications are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:

a. The hitting surface of the tennis racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the centre than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces.
The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.

b. For professional play, the frame of the tennis racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66cm.) in overall length, including the handle, as from 1st January 1997. For non-professional play, the frame of the tennis racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66cm.) in overall length, including the handle, as from 1st January 2000. Until 1st January 2000, the maximum length of a tennis racket for non-professional play shall be 32 inches (81.28cm). The frame of the tennis racket shall not exceed 121/2 inches (31.75cm.) in overall width. The strung surface shall not exceed 151/2 inches (39.37cm.) in overall length, and 111/2 inches (29.21cm.) in overall width.

USTA Comment: Professional play refers to tournaments conducted under the regulations of the ATP Tour, ITF, and WTA Tour. This includes Satellite and Challenger tournaments.

c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.

d. The frame, including the handle and the strings, shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the tennis racket during the playing of a point.

The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any tennis racket or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any tennis player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation.

Case 1. Can there be more than one set of strings on the hitting surface of tennis racket?
Decision: No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern, and not patterns, of crossed strings.

Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a tennis racket considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision: No.

Case 3. Can vibration dampening devices be placed on the strings of a tennis racket and if so, where can they be placed?
Decision: Yes; but such devices may be placed only outside the pattern of crossed strings.

Case 4. In the course of play, a tennis player accidentally breaks the strings of his tennis racket. Can he continue to play with the tennis racket in this condition?
Decision: Yes

USTA Comment: If after play has begun it is discovered that a tennis player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung racket, all points played stand. The tennis player must find another tennis racket immediately. If the discovery occurs after the tennis match is over, the tennis match still counts.