The Rules Of Tennis

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The Singles Game

5. Server & Receiver
The tennis players shall stand on opposite sides of the tennis net; the tennis player who first delivers the tennis ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.

Case 1. Does a tennis player, attempting a stroke, lose the point if he crosses an imaginary line in the extension of the tennis net,
a. before striking the tennis ball,
b. after striking the tennis ball?

Decision: He does not lose the point in either case by crossing the imaginary line and provided he does not enter the lines bounding his opponent's Court (Rule 20(e)). In regard to hindrance, his opponent may ask for the decision of the Umpire under Rules 21 and 25.

Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver must stand within the lines bounding his Tennis Court. Is this necessary?
Decision: No. The Receiver may stand wherever he pleases on his own side of the tennis net.