About Joe Rill Expertise Can answer questions related to coaching and playing tennis including stroke production, skill evaluation, group drills, player evaluation, planning and record keeping, mental toughness, first aid and minor health issues, social aspects of club tennis, tennis rules and regulations, and tennis courtesy. I no longer desire to answer questions on "How to become a Pro."
Experience Forty years total playing experience including: 25 years tournament play, three year tennis club tennis director; former racket stringer; Graduate Vandermeer Tennis Univ I; Virginia HS League certified coach; Asst Tournament Director
Expert: Joe Rill Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: tie break
Question QUESTION: Sometimes the first point of the tie break is played in the ad court, sometimes in the deuce court. How does one know where to start?
ANSWER: Hi Mary Lee,
The first point of the tie breaker is always started from the Ad Court. Good luck on the courts!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt rely. As I've been watching Wimbleton, it has seemed to me that the tie breaks are starting in the deuce court, which is so confusing to me and to my doubles friends. We've always done as you say, ie, started in the ad court. Are there different rules?
Answer Hi Mary Lee,
I apologize. I was distracted when I answered your question. My bad. Your observation is correct. The tie breaker is ALWAYS started in the deuce court. After you serve the first point (from the deuce court), your opponent serves the next two points from first the ad court, then from the deuce court. Players alternate serving two points, first from the ad court then from the deuce court. The rules are not different. After the first person starts the tie breaker from the deuce court, every change of serve in the tie breaker starts from the Ad Court. I'm sorry I gave you the wrong answer initially and I hope you win every tie breaker you play! Joe
