Fault in tennis is a term used when a serve fails to land in the correct service box. It’s a critical part of the serving rules, and understanding it is key to both playing and following the game.
Understanding Service Faults
A fault occurs if the ball hits the net, lands outside the service box, or misses the box entirely. A player gets two chances to serve correctly; if the first serve is a fault, they have a second chance with the second serve.
The Consequences of Double Faults
If both serves result in a fault, it’s called a double fault, and the server loses the point. This rule adds significant pressure to the serving player, especially in tight match situations.
Faults and Their Impact on Gameplay
The possibility of a fault influences a player’s serving strategy. Players must balance the risk of aggressive, powerful serves with the need for accuracy to avoid faults and the costly consequence of double faults.
Faults in Professional and Recreational Tennis
While faults are a common part of tennis at all levels, professional players often push the limits of their serves, resulting in a higher risk of faults. In recreational play, faults can be more frequent due to less refined serving techniques.
