A let in tennis means the point, or the serve, is replayed with no change to the score. The most familiar let is a serve that touches the net and then lands in the correct service box: only that serve is replayed, so if it was a first serve the server still has two serves. Lets are also called when something outside the players’ control interferes with a point, such as a ball rolling onto the court, a spectator’s shout that hinders a player, or an official correcting a call. In that case the whole point is replayed, starting again with a first serve.
This guide explains every common type of let, the difference between a service let and a point let, how lets work in unofficiated matches, the no-let rule used in some competitions, and the mistakes players make with lets.
Service lets
A service let happens when the served ball touches the net, strap or band and then lands in the correct service box. The server replays that serve. There is no limit to the number of service lets in a row. If the ball touches the net and lands outside the service box, it is a fault, not a let. A serve is also a let if it is delivered when the receiver is not ready, provided the receiver does not attempt to return it. If the receiver tries to hit the ball, they are considered ready.
Lets during a point
| Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| A ball from another court rolls onto the court | Let; replay the point |
| A spectator or outside noise unintentionally hinders a player | Let; replay the point |
| A player’s hat or ball falls out of their pocket for the first time | Let; replay the point, but repeats may cost the point |
| An official corrects a line call during the point | Usually a let unless the original shot was a clear winner |
| Equipment breaks outside a player’s control, such as the net collapsing | Let; replay the point |
| An opponent deliberately hinders a player | Not a let; the hindered player wins the point |
When a let is called during a point, the whole point is replayed, starting with a first serve. This is different from a service let, where only that single serve is replayed.
Hindrance and intentional acts
The rules separate unintentional hindrances from deliberate ones. If a player is hindered by something outside their control or by an unintentional act of their opponent, a let is called. If the opponent deliberately hinders them, for example by shouting to distract them during a shot, the hindered player wins the point. Repeated unintentional hindrances, such as dropping a ball from a pocket several times, can also be treated as a hindrance that costs the point after the first warning.
Lets in unofficiated matches
In club and recreational tennis, there is no umpire, so players call lets themselves. Either player can call a let on a service let or when a ball rolls onto the court. The let should be called immediately; a player cannot wait to see how the point turns out before calling it. If a ball rolls onto the court and neither player notices until after the point, the point usually stands. Good etiquette is to call lets clearly and promptly, and to be honest about service lets you see.
For full details, refer to the ITF Rules of Tennis, especially the rules on lets and hindrance, and the USTA Friend at Court or your national federation’s guidance for unofficiated matches.
The no-let rule
Some competitions use a no-let rule on the serve, meaning a serve that touches the net and lands in the correct box is in play and must be returned. It is used in American college tennis and has been tried in other events to speed up play. Supporters say it reduces arguments over whether the ball touched the net. Critics say it adds luck to the game. Players should check whether the no-let rule applies before a match.
Common questions players get wrong
- A let on a second serve does not give you two serves: you only replay the second serve.
- A let during a point replays the whole point: you start again with a first serve.
- Calling a let late: you must call it immediately, not after seeing the result.
- A ball on the court before the point: the server should clear it before serving; if it causes a hindrance during the point, a let may be called.
- Touching the net with your body: this is not a let. Touching the net during a point loses the point.
How to handle lets well
- Call lets immediately and clearly.
- If unsure whether a serve touched the net, discuss it calmly with your opponent. In most guidance, if neither player is sure, the serve is played as good or replayed by agreement.
- Keep extra balls away from the court surface, such as in your pocket or at the back fence.
- Use the pause after a let to reset your focus.
Lets in other racket sports
Lets exist in other racket sports too, but they work differently. In badminton, a serve that clips the net and lands in the correct court is in play, not a let, while lets are called for unforeseen interruptions. In table tennis, a serve that touches the net and lands correctly is a let and is replayed. In squash, a let is called when a player is obstructed but could have reached the ball. Knowing these differences helps players who switch between sports avoid confusion.
Etiquette tips for fair lets
Call lets immediately and clearly, accept your opponent’s reasonable let calls, and never use a let to interrupt a point you are about to lose. If you’re not sure whether something interfered, discuss it calmly and agree on a replay. Fair, consistent use of lets keeps matches friendly and avoids disputes.
How lets affect strategy
Because a service let replays only that serve, a server who hits a net-cord let on a first serve keeps both serves. After a let during a point, the whole point restarts with a first serve, which can reset momentum. Players should use the short pause to refocus rather than dwell on the interruption.
Frequently asked questions
How many lets can you have on a serve?
There is no limit. A server can hit any number of lets in a row.
Do you get two serves after a let during a point?
Yes. When a let is called during a point, the whole point is replayed, starting with a first serve.
What is the no-let rule in tennis?
In some competitions, including US college tennis, a serve that touches the net and lands in is played as a live ball.
