Wimbledon’s governing body, the AELTC, said “the time had come” to introduce a tie-break method at “a reasonable point” in a deciding set. But, did they get it right? And what about the other majors? Continue reading
Category Archives: Tennis rules
Obvious Sitter Rule?
You are playing a point in either singles or doubles and you have an obvious sitter/put-away at the net; but as you are swinging, your opponent(s) yells “Let… play two!” because a ball rolled onto the court. Is that legal?? Continue reading
Serena’s Surprise
So, what did you think of the women’s final at the US Open? Was Serena right or wrong in her vociferous complaints of how she was treated? Continue reading
Call a “Let”?
The rule is: “anyone can call a Let.” But what if there was no real reason to call that let, then what do you do? Continue reading
On Court Coaching?
During the US Open, the TV camera has “caught” several coaches coaching their players from the stands. Should this practice be stopped or accepted? Continue reading
Serve Clock Started
Clock next to ball kid
For the first time that I have seen, a big tournament has started using an on-court clock to control the time the server (or returner?) takes between points. Is this a good idea? Continue reading
Toss and Catch?
“Commissioner” Gilbert
A long-time Newk camp friend writes, “What are the rules and what should you do if you play a guy who tosses and tosses up the ball for serve and catches it over and over?” Continue reading
Which is the Mark?
Now that the pros are into the clay court season, the old line call disputes are happening again. But there are things that can be done to reduce/eliminate them. Continue reading
Touching The Net
Kelli and Larry
“If a player touches the net, likely after hitting a volley, is it their call to make or can an opponent make the call?” Continue reading
Time Between Points
We have all seen Rafa Nadal being warned for taking too much time between points (to touch his hair, his shirt, and tug at the back of his shorts); but how long should players be able to take? Continue reading
Changing Your Mind
Jack Moter
You flip the racquet before warming up (which is the way it should be done), you make your choice to serve/receive/side/defer … but then, you change your mind. Can you? Continue reading
What’s The Call?
Crootof Photo
What happens when the receiver’s partner calls “Good” on a serve and the opponents stop playing the point? Continue reading
Singles Third Set Tiebreaker?
Gordon Hammes
While at a tournament, the match next to me was between a pair of fantastic 86 and 89 year old players. It went to three full sets in three full hours. Was it dangerous to their health? Did it mess up the schedule? Should they be playing a third set tiebreaker instead? Continue reading
“Don’t Sit Down!”
It is a hot day and you just finished a long first set … took a break … and then played the first game of the second set and are crossing over again. Can you or your opponent sit down on this change over? NO! Continue reading
Enough Warm-up Time?
You drive to a tournament or league match, wait around for an hour to get on the court, try to stretch and then are told “Only a five-minute warm-up.” Is that enough time? Continue reading