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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-service-let

Under standard ITF rules, a serve clips the net and lands in the correct box. What happens?

It is a let. The server takes that serve again.

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  1. It is a let, serve it again ✔
  2. It is a fault
  3. The server wins the point

Why: Under standard Rule 22, a serve that touches the net and is otherwise good is a let. That serve is taken again.

Huh, didn't know that: ITF also approves a No Let alternative in which that serve remains in play.

The dad joke
Why did the tennis serve apologize to the net? It knew it had to let it go.
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References

Answer: It is a let, serve it again. Under standard Rule 22, a serve that touches the net and is otherwise good is a let. That serve is taken again.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 22 The Let During a Service www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The service is a let if: a. The ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good;
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Appendix VI No Let Rule www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    This alternative is play without the service let in Rule 22.a, whereby a serve that touches the net, strap or band is in play.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessYou miss your first serve, then your second serve is a let. What serve is next?Sports & FitnessWhat happens when a server misses both the first and second serve?Sports & FitnessWhile serving, your foot touches the baseline before you hit the ball. What is it called?

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