Skip to content
Insporta Book
en
EnglishРусскийDeutschEspañolEestiSuomiItalianoFrançaisPolski日本語한국어中文
FootballCricketFutsalTriathlonTennisGolfFigure SkatingBasketballMethodologyWhy it worksTake a test

Tennis · Laws of Tennis

Law 29: Continuous Play

1 parts · 2 tests · 20 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Play should run on from the first serve to the end of the match: the time allowed between points, at changeovers and set breaks, extra time for broken equipment, the medical time-out, toilet breaks, rest periods and the warm-up.

29.291Continuous Play

Time limits between points and games, and the breaks and extra time the Rules allow.

Test 1Time limitsTake a test

  1. Players have up to twenty-five seconds between points.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  2. A changeover may last up to ninety seconds.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  3. After the first game, and during a tie-break, play is continuous.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  4. A set break lasts at most two minutes.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  5. The clock runs until the first serve of the next point is struck.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  6. Organisers may ask to extend the 90-second and 120-second limits.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · recall

  7. The warm-up lasts up to five minutes.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29e · recall

  8. 25 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds and 5 minutes.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29 · recall

  9. After the first game of a set there is no rest at the change of ends.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · applied

  10. The clock in the picture may not pass 25 before the serve.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a · applied

Test 2Breaks and extra timeTake a test

  1. Broken clothing, footwear or equipment, other than the racket, may earn reasonable extra time.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29b · applied

  2. A broken racket is simply replaced in the normal time.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29b · recall

  3. There is no extra time to recover condition.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c · recall

  4. One medical time-out of three minutes may be allowed.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c · recall

  5. A limited number may be allowed when announced beforehand.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c · recall

  6. After the third set in best of five, or the second in best of three.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29d · recall

  7. Continuity runs from the match's first serve to its finish.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29 · recall

  8. Two minutes, three minutes, then ten.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c · recall

  9. Treatment happens, then play picks up again.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c · applied

  10. One set all in best of three is exactly when the rest may come.

    Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29d · applied

Sources

ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29a8
  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29c5
  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 292
  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29b2
  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29d2
  • ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29e1