Tennis Do Over (Let): Rules, When It's Called & What Happens
In tennis, a do over is officially called a let. It's one of the most misunderstood rules in the game — especially for beginners. This guide explains exactly what a tennis do over is, when it's called, what happens to the point, and the key rules that apply in both recreational and professional play.
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See All Coaching Programs →What Is a Tennis Do Over (Let)?
A tennis do over — known officially as a let — is when a point is replayed from the beginning. The most common situation is a let serve: when the ball clips the top of the net on a serve and still lands in the correct service box.
When a let is called, the point does not count. The server replays the serve — with the same number of serves remaining. If it was a first serve, they get a first serve again. If it was a second serve, they get a second serve again.
When Is a Let Called in Tennis?
A let can be called in two main situations:
1. Let Serve (Most Common)
A let serve occurs when:
- The serve clips the top of the net and lands in the correct service box
- The serve clips the net and the receiver is not ready
- The serve is delivered before the receiver signals they are ready
If the serve clips the net but lands outside the service box or in the net, it is a fault — not a let. The ball must land in the correct diagonal service box for a let to be called.
2. Let During a Rally (Less Common)
A let can also be called during a rally when play is interrupted by an external factor. Common examples include:
- A ball from another court rolls onto the court during the point
- A spectator or official walks onto the court
- An unexpected distraction disrupts play (e.g. a loud noise at a critical moment)
- A player is hindered by their opponent
In these cases, the entire point is replayed — not just the serve.
What Happens After a Let Is Called?
After a tennis do over is called:
- The point does not count — it is completely replayed
- The server replays with the same serve number (first or second)
- There is no limit to the number of lets that can be called in a row
- The score remains unchanged
There is no penalty for a let. It is simply a neutral replay of the point.
How Many Lets Are Allowed in Tennis?
There is no limit to the number of lets allowed in a single point or match. If a server hits five consecutive let serves, all five are replayed. This is rare but technically possible.
In professional tennis, lets are called by the net cord judge — an official who sits at the net and listens for the ball touching the cord. In recreational play, lets are typically called by the players themselves on the honour system.
Is a Let Called Automatically in Professional Tennis?
Yes. In professional tennis, a net cord judge is positioned at the net specifically to detect let serves. When the ball touches the net cord on a serve, the judge calls "let" immediately.
In some professional tournaments, electronic net cord sensors are used instead of a human judge. These sensors detect any vibration in the net cord and trigger an automatic let call.
Tennis Let vs Fault: What's the Difference?
| Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Serve clips net, lands in service box | Let — replay the serve |
| Serve clips net, lands outside service box | Fault |
| Serve clips net, lands in the net | Fault |
| Serve misses the service box entirely | Fault |
| Rally interrupted by external factor | Let — replay the point |
| Receiver not ready on serve | Let — replay the serve |
No-Let Rule: Does It Exist?
Yes — some recreational leagues and formats use a no-let rule, where a serve that clips the net and lands in is played as a live ball rather than being replayed. This speeds up the game significantly.
The no-let rule is not used in professional tennis or official ITF-sanctioned play. It's common in informal club matches and some recreational leagues where match time is limited.
Tennis Do Over in Doubles
The let rules in doubles are identical to singles. A let serve is called when the ball clips the net and lands in the correct service box. A rally let is called when play is interrupted by an external factor.
One additional doubles-specific situation: if a player on the serving team calls a let incorrectly or interferes with the receiver, it may be ruled a hindrance — which can result in the loss of the point rather than a replay.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennis Do Over (Let)
What is a do over called in tennis?
A do over in tennis is called a let. The most common let is a let serve — when the ball clips the top of the net on a serve and still lands in the correct service box. The point is replayed with the same serve number.
Does a let count as a fault in tennis?
No. A let does not count as a fault. The serve is simply replayed. If it was a first serve let, the server gets a first serve again. If it was a second serve let, the server gets a second serve again. There is no penalty.
Can you have unlimited lets in tennis?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of lets in tennis. A server can hit consecutive let serves indefinitely and each one is replayed. This is extremely rare in practice but is permitted under the official rules.
What happens if the receiver isn't ready in tennis?
If the receiver is not ready when the serve is delivered, a let is called and the serve is replayed. The receiver must signal they are ready before the server begins their motion. If the receiver attempts to return the serve, they are considered to have been ready.
Is a let called in recreational tennis?
Yes, in most recreational tennis. Players call lets themselves on the honour system. Some informal leagues use a no-let rule where a serve that clips the net and lands in is played as a live ball. Always agree on the rules before starting a match.
