Court of Appeals: Ready or Not, Here I Come

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The tennis summer swing is in full force across all surfaces, 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.

Ready or Not, Here I Come

I was ready to receive a point, but then needed to wipe sweat from my face. My opponent had already started his service motion, so I put my hands up to tell him I wasn't ready. His serve landed in and wasn't returned. He claimed the point. I told him I wasn't ready. Who was right?

— Paul Stallings, Marietta, Ga.

Rule 21 says the “server shall not serve until the receiver is ready.” You were ready, to begin with. Then you became unready. However, under The Code, #29, “The receiver may not become unready unless outside interference occurs.” Your own sweat doesn't qualify as “outside interference.” His point.

—Rebel Good

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