What is a let in tennis?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 17, 2026
One of the most noteworthy rules in tennis is the 'let'. This is often called when a point has been interrupted in some way. The most common instance of a let is a service let, when the ball clips the net tape but still lands in the service box. This causes a hindrance for the opponent and the serve is retaken.
Why do they call it a let in tennis?
The name LET is used because the attempt at service is not counted. As a player, you are letting the ball pass, hence the name let. The server gets a second attempt at whichever service it is, the first or the second. It can be a let first serve or a let second serve.
How many times can you let in tennis?
A let in tennis serve will usually be followed by the umpire calling “let, first (or second) service.” One might ask how many let serves are allowed in tennis? The answer is, there are no limits to how many lets can be called for one point. Serena Willimas once had four service lets in a row!
What is the no let rule in tennis?
Matches are Played with No-Lets
Usually, when a serve lands in-play but hits the net prior to contact, the serve is called a let and is redone. College tennis eliminated this rule, making a let playable.
Can anyone call a let in tennis?
Service let calls.
Any player may call a service let. The call shall be made before the return of serve goes out of play or is hit by the server or the server's partner. If the serve is an apparent or near ace, any let shall be called promptly. 28.
43 related questions foundCan you play a let serve in tennis?
Hold – server winning the game. Let – a serve is called a let when the ball hits the net cord but still lands in the service court. Such a serve is not considered a fault and the server may repeat the service attempt.
Can you return a let serve?
The simple answer is no. While it may be tempting at times to take that first ball out of the air, this is not allowed. The servers ball must hit the ground inside the correct service box in order for the point to be started.
Why does it go 15 30 40 in tennis?
Why is it 40 instead of 45 in tennis? It's believed the numbers 15,30, and 45 came from using the clock as a scoreboard. Each point was worth 15, and once a player reached the hour (60 minutes) it represented a game.
Can you have a let on a second serve?
When a let is called, the serve does not count, and the server gets to re-serve the point. However, if the let occurred during a second serve, it does not cancel out the fault, and the server only gets another second serve.
What is a love in tennis?
Love – A term used in tennis instead of the word 'nil' or 'zero'. It is used to describe a lack of score in either points, games or sets. i.e. a game score of 30-0 is given as '30 love' and a set score of 6-0 is given as 'six love'. Straight Sets – The name given to a win in a tennis match without losing a set.
Why do we say 40 love in tennis?
In tennis, “love” is the term used for a score of zero or nil. For example, if the score is 40-0, you would call it “forty-love.” The term love can also be used to count games in a set, such as 6-0 (“six-love”).
Why do tennis players choose from three balls?
The hair on a new tennis ball tends to be smoothed flat, while a ball that's been knocked around a bit will be more fluffy. Tennis players may check three balls or more before serving so that they can select one smooth ball and one fluffy ball.
When the score is tied 10 to 10 it is called?
EXCEPTION: After tied 10-10 (“deuce”), service alternates at every point.
Is it legal to serve underhand in tennis?
Although unconventional, the rules allow for underhand serving in tennis. As long as the ball is hit with the racquet prior to hitting the ground, it doesn't matter if it was released in an upward or downward motion. This rule can be found in the Friend at Court under the ITF Rules of Tennis #16 The Service.
Who gets the point when a let occurs on a serve?
During a serve, if the ball hits the net but still bounces on the opponent's side of the table, the point is a let (which means it needs to be replayed). If the ball hits the net and doesn't make it to the other half of the table, the receiver is automatically awarded a point.
Why is there no 45 in tennis?
ORIGINALLY, a points scoring system was introduced, based on the quarters of a clock, in minutes, probably to avoid confusing point scores with game scores. This provided a neat, cyclic "15-30-45-game" system.
What is the term if you miss one serve?
Singles - a tennis game played by two players. Second Service - the second serve that the server is allowed after missing the first serve. This serve must be successful or the server will lose the point (called a double fault).
What is the longest tennis game ever played?
The longest tennis match in history: When even the scoreboard stopped working! The longest tennis match lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes and was contested over three days between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at 2010 Wimbledon.
Can you hit a let serve?
A service let suggests the ball hit the net and successfully landed in the correct service box. The server should repeat their serve. However, if the ball hits the net and lands outside of the correct service box, it is considered a fault.
Can you hit a serve before it bounces in tennis?
The server may serve underhand, but he or she may not bounce the ball before hitting it. The server may not serve before the receiver is ready. The receiver must let the serve bounce before touching it. In doubles, the receiver's partner may not touch the served ball.
Why is second serve slower?
The first serve is hit harder, usually closer to the lines, because the server is trying to gain an advantage while knowing they can fall back on the second. The second must go in or the server loses the point, so is almost always hit slower to reduce that risk.
What is the difference between net and let in tennis?
When you serve, 1st or second serve and the ball touches the net and lands in the corrects service box, it is called a let and you replay the serve. If it touches the net and lands outside the box, it is a fault and you proceed to the 2nd serve (you lost your 1st serve) or double fault if happened on your 2nd serve.
What is table tennis Deuce?
In sports like tennis and ping pong, a deuce is a tie. One player must score two consecutive points to break the deuce and win. This can go on for a while if the players are well-matched. A hard-fought point could feature one deuce after another.
What is EDGE ball in table tennis?
What is the edge ball? If the ball hits the corner and bounces up, you win the point! During the rally, if the ball touches the edge of the opponent's table, it's called the “edge ball”.
What is table tennis stroke?
The stroke is normally used for short balls, and its purpose is to stop your opponent from making an attacking shot. Start by standing close to the end line, facing the table. Your paddle should be open, 45%, and the backswing should short and with your hand close to your chest.