Wager Mage
Photo by Antoni Shkraba Pexels Logo Photo: Antoni Shkraba

Why do they call it a let in tennis?

So, just why do we call a let, a let? Well, the word is thought to have originated from the saxon word 'lettian', which referred to a hindrance. This would make sense given there are multiple ways in which a let can be called in tennis.

What is gambler's instinct?
What is gambler's instinct?

The gambler's fallacy, also known as the Monte Carlo fallacy or the fallacy of the maturity of chances, is the incorrect belief that, if a...

Read More »
Can you use NordVPN for DraftKings?
Can you use NordVPN for DraftKings?

You can also use other VPN providers like NordVPN or Surfshark if you're on a budget. You can try using a free VPN to access DraftKings, but...

Read More »

So, if you’ve ever wondered why a let is called a let, what you can call a let for and what some of the most famous instances of lets in professional tennis are, then sit back and carry on reading! But there is more to the let than just retaking a serve . This is one of the most unique rules in tennis that really brings the human element of the sport into play.

This causes a hindrance for the opponent and the serve is retaken.

The most common instance of a let is a service let, when the ball clips the net tape but still lands in the service box. One of the most noteworthy rules in tennis is the ‘let’. This is often called when a point has been interrupted in some way. Although, there are a few different theories out there, from let originating from the French word for net, to simply shortening the word ‘letting’ (letting your opponent have another serve). This would make sense given there are multiple ways in which a let can be called in tennis. So, just why do we call a let, a let? Well, the word is thought to have originated from the saxon word ‘lettian’, which referred to a hindrance. For seasoned players, this is second nature. But words like deuce, love, game and let can sound like a foreign language to a beginner player. First things first, one of the things that gets new tennis players very confused is the naming conventions in the sport.

When a Let Can Be Called?

Whilst the service let is often the most commonly used version of the rule, it can actually be used in a wide range of situations. The idea is that anything that causes a hindrance to the point being played in a free flowing way will result in the point being stopped and replayed. At a recreational level, let’s are generally a judgment call. If you clearly see or hear a serve clipping the top of the net and it still goes into the service box, you can call a let. Alternative lets are also purely judgement calls in club tennis, so there is always an element of trust involved. However, at the professional level, lets are now called by an electronic sensor that is built into the net tape and registers the ball clipping the top of the net. This then sends a signal to the umpire’s electronic scoring device and indicates a let to them. This job used to be done by an official that would sit by the net and hold the net cord, waiting to feel the vibration of a ball striking it. They would then actually call a let out loud! When playing tennis at your local club, a let would be called if a ball from another court rolls on to your court.

How can I make $400 dollars fast?
How can I make $400 dollars fast?

How to make 400 dollars fast [12 ways] Join Swagbucks and earn cashback. ... Walk Dogs and Pet Sit on Rover. ... Rent Out Your Car on Getaround....

Read More »
How can I make real money online?
How can I make real money online?

How to make money online Find freelance work. Freelance work is when you work for yourself and complete projects on a contract basis. ... Start a...

Read More »

In this situation you would simply stop your point, collect the stray ball and pass it back to the court that it came from. This is extremely common in club tennis and the best thing to do is to call a let for the safety of everyone and the continuity of your match. Alternatively, if there is someone walking behind your court, a loud noise or even a sprinkler turning on that blatantly distracts you or your opponent from playing, it would be acceptable to call a let and replay the point. In the professional game, the umpire may call a let if there is a malfunction with stadium lighting, someone calls out in the crowd or a camera flash goes off during a point. Also, if a player correctly challenges a ball using Hawkeye and the line judge’s call comes after they were able to play the shot, the umpire will often call a let. This is because the player will always wait for the line judge or umpire’s call for a shot to be out, and if the call is made and they would have been able to play the shot, this is deemed as a hindrance that is out of the player’s control. However, this is often a judgement call and can easily become a point of controversy in professional matches. There are some circumstances when a point penalty would be given to an opponent rather than a let, but this is usually for a deliberate hindrance rather than an accidental one. These two distinctions can cause controversy at times on the court, as the differentiation between an accidental or a deliberate hindrance can sometimes be difficult to determine. For example, a point penalty would be called if the ball hits you on any part of your body or a piece of your clothing. Whilst you may think this is an accidental hindrance, it is actually considered a purposeful one, since you could theoretically use a part of your body to steer the ball into court rather than your racket.

This would give you an unfair advantage.

Furthermore, if a player is talking during a point or banging their racket on the ground, this would be classed as a deliberate hindrance and a point penalty would be given.

Is 1xBet European?
Is 1xBet European?

1xBet is one of the world's leading betting companies operating directly and through its franchise partners in over 50 countries in Latin America,...

Read More »
What is mahadev app?
What is mahadev app?

As per the information available with the police and independent sources, Mahadev app was registered in Dubai in 2016 and allegedly has links with...

Read More »
Is it better to gift or inherit money?
Is it better to gift or inherit money?

Whether your assets become gifts or inheritance, your heirs usually face no tax liability on them: Any gift taxes or estate taxes due are typically...

Read More »
How do you win odds every time?
How do you win odds every time?

Promoted Stories The favourite doesn't always win. ... Don't just stick to one bookmaker – shop around. ... The fewer selections, the better. ......

Read More »