Who serves when in tennis, and when do players change ends?
I · Intermediate · Serving · 3 of 8A toss decides who serves the first game and from which end. After that, the players serve alternate games, and change ends after the first game of each set and then after every two games. Within a game, the server starts from the right and alternates sides each point.
How it works
The toss, before the warm-up. The winner chooses one of:
- to serve or receive first, and the opponent chooses the end;
- the end, and the opponent chooses to serve or receive;
- to make the opponent choose.
Order of serving:
- The players swap server and receiver after every game.
- In doubles, each team decides at the start of each set which partner serves first. The four players then serve in a fixed rotation for the set.
- In doubles, each team also decides who receives in the right half and who in the left, and keeps that for the set. After the return, either partner may hit the ball.
Changing ends:
- After the first, third and every later odd game of a set.
- At the end of a set if the total number of games is odd; if it is even, after the first game of the next set.
- In a tie-break, after every six points.
Tricky cases
Can the toss winner make the opponent choose?
Yes. That is the third option.
Can doubles partners change who serves first in a new set?
Yes. The order is chosen again at the start of each set.
Can one doubles partner take all the returns?
No. The partners receive alternate points, each on their own side, for the whole set.
Why the rule exists
Alternating the serve shares its advantage. Changing ends shares the sun, wind and court conditions.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITF rules | As above | L9, 10, 14, 15, 17 |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules 9, 10, 14, 15 and 17. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).