What happens if a player is distracted during a point?
A · Advanced · How is a point won or lost? · 2 of 7Checked 13 October 2026
If an opponent hinders a player by a deliberate act, the player wins the point. If the hindrance was unintentional, or came from something outside the player's control, such as a ball rolling onto the court, the point is replayed.
How it works
- Deliberate act by the opponent: point to the hindered player.
- Unintentional act by the opponent: replay the point.
- Something outside the player's control, other than a permanent fixture: replay.
- A ball or object that was already lying on your side when the point started is not a hindrance.
- A player who stops play because they think the opponent was hindered loses the point.
- In doubles, partners may stand anywhere on their own side, but must not hinder the opponents.
Tricky cases
Is shouting or grunting a hindrance?
It depends on the umpire's judgment of whether it was deliberate and hindered the opponent. The rule does not name grunting.
A ball from the next court rolled on during our rally. What happens?
The point is replayed, starting with a first serve.
The ball hit a bird. What happens?
The point is replayed.
Why the rule exists
A player must be free to play the ball. The rule separates gamesmanship, which is punished, from accidents, which are replayed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITF rules | As above | L26 |
| Professional tours | Codes of conduct add their own hindrance guidance | Not covered |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules 23 and 26 and their Cases. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).