I have had instances in the past where an opposing player double hit the ball, usually by framing the ball on one side of the racquet, which caused it to ricochet and make contact with the other end before going back in play. Whether intentional or accidental, I assume I would automatically win the point, but no one has ever owned up to it. What would be the correct call?
—Kevin Thoeng, Los Angeles, CA
Never assume. About 30 years ago you would have been correct. But with the advent of oversized racquets and the use of heavy topspin, such shots became more commonplace and the rule was changed. The key to Rule 24.f is that a player must “deliberately” touch the ball with the racquet more than once a shot. As USTA Comment 24.5 states, “Only when there is a deliberate ‘second push’ does the shot become illegal.” The rule continues to clarify that: “Two hits occurring during a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.”
Except where noted, answers are based on the ITF Rules of Tennis and USTA's The Code.
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