By Sherry Benz
Tennis Talk 2022-12-01
Friend at the Court (2) is a handbook of tennis rules and regulations developed by USTA. It is an important document and provides valuable guidelines for play. This week we are highlighting “Making Calls”. Many of us, especially if we have been playing for a long time, think we have a good understanding, but I learned a couple of new things.
- · The players makes a call on their own side of the net.
- · The opponents get the benefit of the doubt.
- · A ball that cannot be called out is considered good. Sometimes a player is not certain and suggests the point be replayed. No!
- · Either partner in doubles can make a call.
- · Requesting opponents help: you can ask the opponents whether they saw the ball in or out. When their opinion is requested, it must be accepted. If no players have an opinion, the ball must be called good.
- · Out calls reversed: If a player calls a ball out, but then is uncertain or realizes the ball was good, he must reverse the call and the point goes to the opponent. However, if a receiver reverses a fault call on a “let” serve, the server is entitled to 2 serves.
- · Partner’s disagreement on calls: The point goes to the opponent.
- · Audible or visible calls: no matter how obvious it is that an opponent’s ball is out, the opponent is entitled to a prompt audible or visible call.
- · Calling a “let” when another ball rolls on the court: any player on the court may call a “let”. The player loses the right to call a “let” if they unreasonably delay making the call.
- · Touches: a player must concede the point if a ball touches them, if they don’t make the shot after one bounce, if they reach over the net to hit a ball or if they touch the net. The opponent does not get to make the call.
The principle of all these rules is to enjoy a fair and equitable game. The overriding principle is giving the opponent the benefit of the doubt in making calls.