Yesterday when I was playing my doubles match, the score was 15-all but I accidentally served on the ad side instead of the deuce. We won the point. I offered to replay the point, but my opponents said it was their point. Who was right?
JACKIE BOHANNON
Guest Columnist
tennis@lbknews.com
Great question. Both of you are wrong! Any point played in good faith stands, and as soon as the mistake is recognized corrective action should be taken. In this particular instance because you won the point the score would now be 30-15, and you would again serve from the ad side. Similar circumstances occur when partners accidentally switch sides when returning serve, or when the wrong team or wrong server begins a game. This also happens frequently in tie breakers when changing sides or ends of the court happens more repeatedly. All points that are played count. You never redo a point because you accidentally served on the wrong side or end of the court. The only time you redo a point is if a let is called during the course of play.
Serve Jackie your best shot!
Long-time tennis pro and recently-named America’s Top Coach Jackie Bohannon will answer any question on tennis. Please email question you have on strategy, technique, mental game, fitness, equipment, etc., to: tennis@lbknews.com