Umpire’s Corner


Change ends at the end of a set 

A question I am often asked about the rules of tennis is when to change ends and specifically whether to always change ends at the end of a set.  You should change ends after every odd number of games played, including at the end of a set. Therefore if the score in the set was 6-0 you go back to the same end after your break and if it was a tie break you should change ends from the side you were on at the end. Just remember that play should be continuous after the first game of every set - no sitting down or taking a drink!

Foot fault 

Unless an umpire  is presiding the match this one is difficult to call.  A foot fault occurs when, during the serve and before hitting the ball with the racket, the foot touches the baseline, the baseline or the imaginary extension of the line demarcating the serving side.

Super tie break 

What is it, when to play it.  The super tie-break is like a normal tie-break in tennis, but played at 10 points instead of 7. It is usually played instead of a full third set when the opponents each win one of the first two sets (known as a split set). Super tie breaks are also called: 10-point tie breaks.