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The Rules Of Tennis
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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.
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