Tennis · Laws of Tennis
Law 15: Order of Receiving in Doubles
1 parts · 1 tests · 10 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Who receives in doubles: each team chooses who takes the first point of its first receiving game, the partners then alternate point by point, and after the return either partner may play the ball.
15.151Order of Receiving in Doubles
Choosing the first receiver, the point-by-point rotation, and playing as a pair.
Test 1Receiving in doublesTake a test
Each team decides its own first receiver.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
Partners alternate as receivers, point by point.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
Odd points go to X and even points to the partner.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · applied
The same pattern carries on for the rest of the set.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
Only the return is tied to one player; after it, either partner may play.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
A doubles team plays as two.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15, Case 1 · recall
The receiving order is chosen afresh for each set.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
Only the return is fixed to one player.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
Partners alternate from the first point of the set.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · recall
The receivers alternate point by point.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 · applied
Sources
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)
- ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 159
- ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 15, Case 11