Tennis Rules for Challenges

In 2006, professional tennis introduced its own form of instant replay utilizing Hawk-Eye technology. Before Hawk-Eye, line calls were at the mercy of linesmen and a chair umpire. Even with linesmen watching the baselines, sidelines and service lines, there were always controversial calls, but players had to relinquish the final decision to the chair umpire. With the majority of players behind the introduction of this new technology that can correctly depict where the ball lands, tennis officials had to create rules that ensure it doesn't interfere with the fairness and tempo of the game.

  1. Number of Challenges

    • Originally, players were given two incorrect challenges per set. However, this rule only lasted until 2008 when the number of incorrect challenges was increased to three per set. In other words, if a player challenges a call and he is correct, he does not lose one of his challenges. A challenge is only deducted if the player challenges and is wrong.

      Therefore, players have an unlimited number of challenges as long as they are correct when they challenge a call. The players also get an additional challenge if the set goes to a tiebreaker.

      Unused challenges cannot be carried over to subsequent sets.

    Stopping Play

    • If players are actively involved in the point, they must stop play to challenge. If the player continues to play the point, the umpire will not allow him to challenge a ball once the point is over unless it is the final ball of the point that he wishes to challenge.

      Players must also challenge in a timely manner because if the umpire feels the challenge was not made quickly enough, he can refuse a player’s request. This rule retains the chair umpire’s control in the match.

    Outcome of a Challenge

    • If a player challenges a call and is wrong, the original call will stand and the player will lose a challenge. A correct challenge will result in the replay of the point or an awarded point if the umpire determines the ball is a winner or an ace and the opposing player would not have been able to return it. Therefore, the chair umpire still plays a crucial role in making calls and cannot rely solely on the Hawk-Eye unless the linesman’s call is upheld.

      The umpire is responsible for correctly interpreting the situation, which determines whether a point is awarded or replayed.