Quick Answer

A let occurs when a point is stopped and replayed because something prevented it from continuing fairly.

The most common example is a serve that touches the net but still lands in the correct service box.

When this happens:

• The serve does not count as a fault.
• The server simply serves again.
• There is no limit to the number of lets that can occur.

Lets can also be called if play is interrupted by an outside interference, such as a ball rolling onto the court.

What Is a Let Serve?

A let serve is the most common type of let in tennis.

It happens when:

1. The serve touches the net.
2. The ball still lands inside the correct service box.

Because the serve was affected by the net, the Rules of Tennis allow the server another attempt.

The previous serve is ignored completely.

What Happens After a Let?

Nothing changes.

The score remains exactly the same.

The server simply serves again.

For example:

• First serve clips the net and lands in.
• “Let” is called.
• The player serves another first serve.

If it happens again?

Another let is called.

There is no limit.

What If the Ball Hits the Net and Lands Out?

This is not a let.

Instead, it’s simply a fault.

Examples:

✔ Hits the net and lands in → Let.

✘ Hits the net and lands out → Fault.

That’s one of the biggest misconceptions among new players.

Can There Be Multiple Lets?

Yes.

Occasionally you’ll see:

• Let
• Let
• Let
• Let

before a successful serve.

Every serve is treated independently.

The player continues serving until either:

• A legal serve is made, or
• A fault occurs.

Other Types of Lets

Although serve lets are the most common, they’re not the only type.

A let may also be called if:

A Ball Rolls Onto the Court

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Safety comes first.

If another ball enters the playing area during a point, play is usually stopped and replayed.

A Player Is Distracted

Unexpected interruptions may also result in a let.

Examples include:

• A hat blowing onto the court.
• A loud unexpected noise.
• An object entering the playing area.

The umpire decides whether the interruption affected the point.

Equipment Problems

In some circumstances, equipment issues can also result in a let if play cannot continue fairly.

Are Lets Used in Professional Tennis?

Yes.

Every professional tournament follows the same rule.

Whether you’re watching:

• Wimbledon
• Australian Open
• Roland Garros
• US Open

a serve that clips the net and lands in is replayed.

The rule is exactly the same at every level of the sport.

Why Does Tennis Have Lets?

The rule exists to keep the game fair.

A serve that touches the net changes speed and direction unpredictably.

Without the let rule, players could gain an unfair advantage from a lucky deflection.

Replaying the serve removes that element of chance.

Common Mistakes

Many beginners think:

• Every ball that touches the net is a let.
• A let counts as a fault.
• Only one let is allowed.

None of these are correct.

A serve is only a let if it touches the net and still lands in the correct service box.

Common Myths

“A let counts as your first serve.”

False.

A let does not count at all.

You replay the serve.

“Only one let is allowed.”

False.

Players may serve as many lets as necessary.

“Any ball that touches the net is a let.”

False.

During rallies, play continues if the ball touches the net and lands in.

The let rule applies primarily to serves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a let in tennis?

A let is a point or serve that is replayed because play was interrupted or the serve touched the net and landed in.

Does a let count as a fault?

No.

The serve is replayed.

Can you have unlimited lets?

Yes.

There is no limit to the number of consecutive lets.

Is a serve that hits the net always a let?

No.

It is only a let if it lands in the correct service box.

Can a rally be replayed because of a let?

Yes.

If outside interference prevents fair play, the umpire may call a let and replay the point.

Final Thoughts

The let rule is one of the simplest yet most important rules in tennis. It ensures that players aren’t unfairly rewarded or penalised when a serve is altered by the net or when outside interference disrupts play.

Understanding when a let is called—and when it isn’t—helps remove much of the confusion that many new players experience when learning the game.

Continue Reading

• Tennis Serve Rules Explained
• What Is a Foot Fault in Tennis?
• Tennis Scoring Explained
• Tennis Court Dimensions Explained
• Official Tennis Net Height
• The Ultimate Tennis Glossary: 60 Tennis Terms Every Fan Should Know

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