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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-serve-hits-receiver

A serve that does not touch the net hits the ready receiver before it bounces. Who wins the point?

The server, unless the serve touched the net first (then it is a let).

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  1. The server ✔
  2. The receiver
  3. Nobody, the serve is replayed

Why: The server wins when a serve hits the ready receiver before touching the ground. A service let would be replayed instead.

Huh, didn't know that: The same rule covers a doubles partner: if the serve hits the receiver's partner before bouncing, the server wins the point.

The dad joke
Why did the tennis player stand so still when receiving? She did not want to catch the server's attention.
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References

Answer: The server. The server wins when a serve hits the ready receiver before touching the ground. A service let would be replayed instead.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 24 Player Loses Point, Case 7 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    A ball that has just been served hits the receiver or, in doubles, the receiver’s partner before it touches the ground.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 24 Player Loses Point, Case 7 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    Decision: The server wins the point, unless it is a service let.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhat happens when a server misses both the first and second serve?Sports & FitnessUnder standard ITF rules, a serve clips the net and lands in the correct box. What happens?Sports & FitnessYou miss your first serve, then your second serve is a let. What serve is next?

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