What Is a Let in Tennis? The Let Rule Explained

In tennis, a let means a serve or a whole point is replayed, with no penalty for either player. There are two main kinds: a service let and a let for interference.

The service let

A serve is a let when the ball touches the net, strap or band and then lands in the correct service box. The server simply serves that delivery again.

• A let on the first serve means the server takes the first serve again.
• A let on the second serve means the server takes the second serve again. It is not a fault.
• If the ball touches the net and lands outside the box, it is a normal fault.

There is no limit to the number of lets in a row. In theory a server could hit ten lets in a row and keep serving.

A serve that hits the receiver

If a serve touches the net and then hits the receiver before bouncing, it is a let. If a serve that did not touch the net hits the receiver before bouncing, the server wins the point.

Lets for interference

The umpire can also call a let during a rally if play is disturbed by something outside the players' control, for example:

• a ball from another court rolls onto the court;
• a loud noise or a spectator interferes with play;
• the receiver was not ready when the server served, and did not try to return the ball.

In these cases the whole point is replayed. If the interference happened between a first and second serve, the server usually gets two serves again.

Interference caused by a player

If a player causes the interference, for example by shouting or dropping a ball from their pocket during a rally, it is not a let. If it was deliberate, the player loses the point. If it was accidental, the first time is a let and later cases can cost the point.

The no-let rule

Some competitions, including US college tennis, play with no service lets: a serve that clips the net and lands in the box is in play, and the receiver must return it. Supporters say it speeds up matches and removes arguments over faint net touches. The Grand Slams and the main ATP and WTA tours still use service lets.

How lets are detected

At professional events, a sensor on the net cord picks up vibrations and alerts the umpire. Players cannot challenge a let call with the review system.

For more serving rules, read the foot fault rule, and for scoring, how tennis scoring works.