SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-serve-starts-right-side

In every standard game, which side of the court does the first serve come from?

The right half, then the server switches sides each point.

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  1. The right half ✔
  2. The left half
  3. The server picks

Why: In a standard game the server serves from behind alternate halves of the court, starting from the right half every game.

Huh, didn't know that: Players often call the right side the deuce court and the left side the ad court.

The dad joke
Why do tennis players start serving on the right? Because it is the right thing to do.
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References

Answer: The right half. In a standard game the server serves from behind alternate halves of the court, starting from the right half every game.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 17 Serving www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    starting from the right half of the court in every game
    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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