Hey there tennis chicks! Let’s test your knowledge of the rules with this common scenario we see on the courts all the time in league.
In a doubles match, my partner and I won the toss and elected to serve. I served the first game which we won. At 4-5, it was my turn to serve again, and I served the first point and, unfortunately, we lost it. As I was preparing to serve again on the ad side, my partner exclaimed, “Wait a minute! Nancy was playing the backhand (ad) side before, not the forehand (deuce) side. Since she received from the wrong side on that last point, we should replay that point!”
After a few moments of all of us trying to figure out what happened, we eventually agreed that the opponents were indeed playing on the wrong side of their court. But we disagreed on the solution.
My partner was certain that we should replay the point with them in the correct positions, however, our opponents were adamant that we keep playing in the same positions for the remainder of the service game and then go back to the correct receiving formation for the rest of the match.
What’s the correct call?
ANSWER: The opponents were correct. In doubles, whether it’s a regular game or a tie-break game, when an error in the receiving order is discovered before the game has ended, the receivers remain in their wrong positions until the end of that game. The next time the opponents receive, they will resume their original, correct position. And yes, Nancy will receive again and all points previously played will stand. (USTA Rule 27, p. 20-22: Correcting errors).
The Rule:
(pp. 20-22) USTA Rule 27: Correcting Errors
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered, all points previously played shall stand. Errors so discovered shall be corrected as follows:
(e.) During a standard game or a tie-break game in doubles, if there is an error in the order of receiving, this shall remain as altered until the end of the game in which the error was discovered. For the next game in which they are the receivers in that set, the partners shall then resume the original order of receiving.
Make sure you know your rules, ladies! You never know when something like this will come up during a league match.
