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: 7/24/2007 Subject: SERVICE RETURN
Question If the server serves the ball and its headed way out but the returner calls it out then hits it back before the ball bounces is it second serve or servers point?
Answer Jessica,
In your scenario, the server would win the point. Keep in mind that the ball is not out until it HITS out or a permanent fixture (such as a scoreboard, etc). It doesn't matter how obvious long or wide the ball is going to be; it has to hit out before it's touched or called out. Incidentally, and you may already know this, if the serve strikes the receiver (or, in doubles, his/her partner) before it strikes the court, the server wins the point. Doesn't matter where the receiver is standing.
Good luck.
