SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-returning-stray-balls

A ball from the next court rolls over to you while they are mid-point. What do you do?

Wait for their point to end, then return it to a player.

Start playing free

  1. Hit it back to them right away
  2. Keep it until your own match ends
  3. Wait for their point to end, then return it ✔

Why: The Code says to wait until the point is over on that court, then return the ball directly to one of the players, preferably the server.

Huh, didn't know that: If a ball rolls onto your court during your own point, any player may call a let (The Code, section 18).

The dad joke
Why did the stray tennis ball cross the court? To get to the other side, but politely after the point.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Wait for their point to end, then return it. The Code says to wait until the point is over on that court, then return the ball directly to one of the players, preferably the server.

  1. USTA 2026 Friend at Court, The Code section 42 www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/officiating/friendatcourt.pdf
    the player must wait until the point is over on the court where the ball is being returned
    Checked 2026-10-13.
  2. USTA 2026 Friend at Court, The Code section 18 www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/officiating/friendatcourt.pdf
    any player on the court affected may call a let as soon as the player becomes aware of the ball.
    Checked 2026-10-13.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhen is it correct to walk behind a court during a match?Sports & FitnessIn tennis scoring, what does the word "love" mean?Sports & FitnessIn a standard tennis game, what score comes after 30?

That's stuff everyone should know.