Tennis rules

Tennis rule changes

Changes that affect how a match is played or scored, newest first: the old rule, the new one, and what it means for scoring.

From the ITF Rules of Tennis, 2026 edition and its change documentLast checked Read the change document ↗
20262026 rulebook
SERVE Rule 18, Case 1

Doubles: you may serve from behind the alley

BeforeThe rulebook only answered this for singles: you can’t serve from behind the alley.
NowSpelled out: in doubles you may stand behind the alley to serve. Still not in singles.

For scoring: No change.

20262026 rulebook
SERVE Rule 27 (b)

Wrong ends: a fault served before the fix no longer counts

BeforePlayers at the wrong ends moved as soon as it was noticed. The rule didn’t say whether a fault already served stood.
NowSame fix, and a fault served before the mistake was spotted doesn’t stand.

For scoring: The server goes back to a first serve.

20252025 rulebook
SCORING Appendix VI

New option: a 10-point tiebreak at 6–6 in the final set

BeforeThe final set could be a tiebreak set, an advantage set, or replaced by a match tiebreak.
NowOrganisers may also play the final set to 6–6, then a tiebreak to 10, two clear.

For scoring: A final set can now end 7–6 after a first-to-10 tiebreak.

20252025 rulebook
COACHING Rule 30, Appendix IV

Coaching from off court can be allowed

BeforeOnly a team captain on court, in team events, could coach. In all other matches, no coaching.
NowOrganisers may allow off-court coaching: brief, by voice from the same end or by hand signals. Never during a point.

For scoring: No change.

Rules are written by 1SCOR in our own words and checked against the official rulebook. They are not the rulebook: for anything official, read the rulebook itself.