Tennis · Laws of Tennis
Law 17: Serving
1 parts · 1 tests · 10 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Where each serve is made from and where it must land: alternate halves from the right in every game and tie-break, over the net into the service court diagonally opposite.
17.171Serving
Serving from alternate halves in games and tie-breaks, and the service court a serve must reach.
Test 1Where to serve from and toTake a test
Every game starts from behind the right half of the court.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
Serves are made from alternate halves of the court.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
A serve crosses the net into the box on the opposite diagonal.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
The ball has to clear the net on its way to the box.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
After an odd number of points the serve comes from the left.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · applied
The serve must reach the service court before the receiver returns it.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
Tie-break serves also come from alternate halves, starting from the right.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · applied
The halves alternate from the right.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · applied
Over the net, into the diagonal box, then the return.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · recall
Four points have been played, an even number, so the serve comes from the right.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 · applied
Sources
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)
- ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 1710