How do challenges work in tennis?
I · Intermediate · Time, coaching, officials and line calls · 8 of 8Where an electronic review system is used, a player may challenge a line call on a shot that ends the point, or by stopping play at once. Each player may be wrong three times in a set, with one more in a tie-break; correct challenges are unlimited. On clay, the umpire inspects the ball mark instead.
How it works
Electronic review:
- A challenge is allowed only on a point-ending shot, or when the player stops playing the point immediately.
- The chair umpire can refuse an unreasonable or late request.
- Three unsuccessful challenges per set, plus one more in a tie-break.
- In an advantage set, the count resets to three at 6-6 and every 12 games after.
- A match tie-break counts as a new set, with three challenges.
- If the system cannot decide, the original call stands.
- The result is final.
Ball mark inspection:
- Only on clay courts.
- Allowed when the chair umpire cannot be sure of the call from the chair, on a point-ending shot or when the player stops at once.
- The chair umpire comes down and inspects the mark. If the mark cannot be found or read, the original call stands.
- A player who rubs out the mark concedes the call.
- A player must not cross the net to look at a mark.
Tricky cases
Do you lose a challenge if you are right?
No. Only unsuccessful challenges count against the three.
Can a player play on and then challenge?
No. The player must stop at once, or the shot must have ended the point.
Why is there no electronic review on some clay courts?
Because the ball leaves a mark on clay, and the rules give the umpire a ball mark inspection procedure for it. Whether an event also uses electronic calling is its own choice.
Why the rule exists
A served ball can cross the line faster than the eye can judge. Review corrects errors, and the limit stops it being used to break an opponent's rhythm.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Courts with electronic review | As above | App VII (Electronic review procedures) |
| Clay courts | Ball mark inspection | App VII (Ball mark inspection procedures) |
| Events with live electronic line calling | Calls made by the system, no challenges | Not covered |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Appendix VII. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).