Let Rule in Tennis: What It Is & How It Works 2025

Tennis is a sport rich with rules, some of which may not be immediately obvious to new players. One such rule is the ‘let,’ which is commonly heard during service plays in professional matches. But what exactly does ‘let’ mean in tennis? In this guide, we’ll break down the let rule, its different applications, and how it impacts the game.

What Is a Let in Tennis?

A let in tennis basically means “redo”. In other words let in tennis occurs when a point is replayed due to certain interruptions, most commonly during a serve. However, lets can also be called in other scenarios where a distraction or interference affects play.

Service Let

A service let happens in the following situations:

• The ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box.
• The ball hits the net and touches the receiver or their clothing before landing.
• The server serves before the receiver is ready.

If a service let occurs on a first serve, the player gets to serve again. If it happens on a second serve, the server gets one more attempt. There is no limit to the number of consecutive lets.

Other Let Calls

Beyond service lets, a let can be called when:

• A ball from another court rolls onto the playing area.
• A significant distraction (such as crowd movement) interferes with play.
• The umpire deems that a player was not given a fair chance to return the ball.

Understanding the Let Rule in Tennis in Detail

Who Can Call a Let?

• Professional Matches: The umpire or electronic sensors monitor service lets.
• Recreational Matches: Any player can call a let, but it should be done immediately to avoid disputes.

What If the Ball Hits the Net But Lands Out?

If a serve hits the net and does not land in the correct service box, it is considered a fault, not a let.

The ‘No Let’ Rule

Some tournaments, like the 2018 Next-Gen ATP Finals, experimented with a ‘no let’ rule, where a serve touching the net is still in play. However, this rule was later scrapped at the professional level.

The Origin of the Term ‘Let’

The origin of the term is uncertain, but possible explanations include:

• Derived from the Old Saxon word ‘lettian,’ meaning ‘to hinder.’
• Borrowed from the French word ‘filet,’ meaning ‘net.’
• Simply refers to ‘letting’ the point be replayed.

Records and Technology in Let Calls

Most Consecutive Lets in a Match

• Serena Williams (2013) and Di Wu (2017) hold the record with four consecutive service lets in a professional match.

The Trinity Sensor

• In professional matches, electronic sensors like the Trinity system detect even the slightest net contact to ensure accurate let calls.

Conclusion

The let rule in tennis plays an essential role in ensuring fair play. Whether during a serve or due to external interference, understanding when and how lets are called helps players maintain smooth gameplay. While technology aids in making accurate calls at the professional level, recreational players must rely on honesty and prompt judgment.