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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-change-ends-odd-games

When do tennis players switch ends of the court during a set?

After the first, third and every odd game.

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  1. After every game
  2. After every odd numbered game ✔
  3. Only at the end of each set

Why: Players change ends after game one, game three, game five and every other odd game of each set. That way sun and wind affect both sides fairly.

Huh, didn't know that: If a set ends with an even number of games, players change ends after the first game of the next set instead.

The dad joke
Why do tennis players switch sides on odd games? Because switching on even games would be too normal.
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References

Answer: After every odd numbered game. Players change ends after game one, game three, game five and every other odd game of each set. That way sun and wind affect both sides fairly.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 10 Change of Ends www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent odd game of each set.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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