What happens if the wrong player served, or from the wrong side?
A · Advanced · How is a point won or lost? · 4 of 7Checked 13 October 2026
The mistake is corrected as soon as it is found, and every point already played stands. If a whole game was completed with the wrong server, the serving order stays as it was changed.
How it works
| Error | What happens |
|---|---|
| Served from the wrong half of the court | Corrected at once; a fault already served stands |
| Players at the wrong ends | Corrected at once; a fault already served does not stand |
| Wrong player serving in a standard game | The right player takes over when it is found; if the game is finished, the new order stays |
| Wrong server in a tie-break | Corrected if found after an even number of points; otherwise the order stays as changed |
| Wrong receiving order in doubles | Stays for that game; the original order returns in the team's next receiving game |
| Tie-break started when an advantage set was agreed (or the reverse) | Corrected if only one point has been played; otherwise it continues |
Tricky cases
We played three points with the wrong server. Are they replayed?
No. All points played stand, and the correct server takes over.
Why the rule exists
Points that were played fairly should count. The rule fixes the mistake from then on without undoing what has been won.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITF rules | As above | L27 |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 27. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).