Can a tennis player stop for an injury or a toilet break?
A · Advanced · Time, coaching, officials and line calls · 5 of 7Checked 13 October 2026
A player with a treatable medical condition may be allowed one medical time-out of three minutes for that condition. No extra time is given to recover fitness. A limited number of toilet or change-of-clothes breaks may be allowed if the event announces them in advance.
How it works
- One medical time-out of three minutes for the treatment of a treatable medical condition.
- No extra time to "recover condition", which covers tiredness.
- Toilet and change-of-attire breaks: a limited number, only if announced before the event.
- Coaching may take place during these breaks where the event permits coaching.
- A player who cannot continue retires, and the opponent wins the match.
Tricky cases
Is cramp a medical condition for a time-out?
It depends on the tour's medical rules. The ITF rules do not name cramp; they draw the line between a treatable medical condition and loss of condition.
How many toilet breaks does a player get?
It depends on the event. The rules say only "a limited number", announced in advance.
Why the rule exists
It separates injury, which can be treated, from tiredness, which is part of the contest.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITF rules | As above | L29 c |
| Tours and Grand Slams | Detailed medical and toilet-break rules | Not covered |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29 c and Appendix IV. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).