Court of Appeals: Making a Racquet, Causing a Hindrance?

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The spring tennis season is in full swing, and with the return to clay courts comes more debates over lines and serves, questionable calls, and the perennial query: What does The Code say?

Court of Appeals is here to clear the air. Rebel Good, a past editor of Friend at Court, the USTA’s handbook of rules and regulations, has taught officiating for more than 30 years and will resolve all your rules questions and quarrels.

Causing a Racquet

I served and fell into the court, dropping my racquet and landing outstretched. To my surprise, I learned my serve was in and we won the point. The ensuing discussion was whether my act of falling and creating a noise with my racquet would create a hindrance for our opponents and what would that mean?

— John Renz, Elmira, N.Y.

Considering a player sprawled out on the court and without a racquet in hand is at a distinct disadvantage, the hindrance rule (Rule 26) makes no provision for an opponent to claim a hindrance when this happens. In this case, the point is yours.

—Rebel Good

Got a question? Send it our way. Email your question to courtofappeals@tennis.com.