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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.
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