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The Rules Of Tennis
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The
Singles Game
25. Hindrance of a Tennis Player
In case a tennis player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within
his control, except a permanent fixture of the tennis court, or except as
provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.
USTA Comment: See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets.
Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a tennis tennis player, who fails to
return the tennis tennis ball. May the tennis player then claim a let?
Decision: Yes. If in the Umpire's opinion he was obstructed by
circumstances beyond his control, but not if due to permanent fixtures
of the tennis court or the arrangements of the ground.
Case 2. A tennis player is interfered with as in Case No.1, and the
Umpire calls a let. The Server had previously served a fault. Has he the
right to two services?
Decision: Yes. If the tennis ball is in play, the point, not merely the
stroke, must be replayed as the Rule provides.
Case 3. May a tennis player claim a let under Rule 25 because he thought
his opponent was being hindered, and consequently did not expect the
tennis ball to be returned?
Decision: No.
Case 4. Is a stroke good when a tennis ball in play hits another
tennis ball in
the air?
Decision: A let should be called unless the other tennis ball is in the air by
the act of one of the tennis players, in which case the Umpire will decide
under Rule 21.
Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls "fault" or
"out", and then corrects himself, which of the calls shall prevail?
Decision: A let must be called unless, in the opinion of the
Umpire, neither tennis player is hindered in his game, in which case the
corrected call shall prevail.
Case 6. If the first tennis ball served-a fault-rebounds, interfering
with the Receiver at the time of the second service, may the Receiver
claim a let?
Decision: Yes. But if he had an opportunity to remove the tennis
ball
from the tennis court and negligently failed to do so, he may not claim a let.
Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the tennis ball touches a stationary or
moving object on the tennis court?
Decision: It is a good stroke unless the stationary object came
into tennis court after the tennis ball was put into play in which case a let must be
called. If the tennis ball in play strikes an object moving along or above the
surface of the tennis court a let must be called.
Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service is a fault, the
second service correct, and it becomes necessary to call a let either
under the provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is unable to decide the
point?
Decision: The fault shall be annulled and the whole point
replayed.
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