AboutEd Hines Expertise The Rules of Tennis primarily, including junior and collegiate application of the rules as well as recreational play. Please: NO questions about practice drills or ways to improve your game.
Experience Over 30 years playing the game, including USTA and ITA Officials' certification in junior, collegiate, and professional tennis.
Organizations USTA; Atlanta Professional Tennis Umpires Association
Awards and Honors ATP Linesman, Chair Official NCAA Regional Div I and Div III, Blue Gray Tournament Chair, SEC Championships, Southern Conf Championships, Atlantic Sun Conference, Several Junior National and Super National Jr. Tournaments, NCAA Womens Championship Finals, ASI and AT&T (qualifier final) Chair.
Expert: Ed Hines Date: 3/17/2008 Subject: serving hindrance?
Question In a doubles match, during a set tie break a first serve was made. The server heard the call "out". The receiver returned the ball and the server did not attempt to hit it. But the "out" call was from another court. Would the point be given to the receiver, or should it be replayed, or would it be second serve?
Answer This question was asked in Tennis mag recently. The answer is, it's the receiver's point. The server must be sure of the call or lack thereof in such situations. Just think about a facility with multiple courts and matches occurring simultaneously. There are calls being made all the time. Pandemonium and endless lets would result if players went by what they thought they heard.
Asking the receiver to call and signal her out call in such situations can help.
