Rule of the Week

Rule of the Week (4/15/98)

"Should you always call your ball out?"

Every week TennisONE will respond to a frequently asked question about the rules of tennis.

Rule of the Week Question

I understand that the code of tennis requires that if you've clearly (to you) hit a ball out and your opponents don't make the call, you should call your own ball out. Does this code apply all the time?

Answer

No, the only time it doesn't apply is when you and your partner (if doubles) have served a first serve. Then the code says, "neither the server nor his net man should make an out call on a first service even though he thinks it is out, because the receiver, not being sure of the ball, may give the server the benefit of the doubt and then hit a placement. In this instance the prerogative of the receiverto give the benefit of the doubt and make a return should not be usurped. However, either the server orthe net man should volunteer a call on any second service he clearly sees to be out for his call terminates the point."

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