Right after I called a shot long, our opponents said the point was theirs because a ball had fallen out of my skirt. I gave them the point, although I thought it was wrong. What was the right call?
—Jennifer Freese, Omak, WA
It was definitely your point. Any supposed hindrance from the ball dropping out of your skirt occurred after the point was over, since it came after you called the ball out. If the ball had dropped out during the point, your opponents—but not you—could have stopped play and claimed a let for an unintentional hindrance (Rule 26).
Except where noted, answers are based on the ITF Rules of Tennis and USTA's The Code.
Got a question? Email it to: courtofappeals@tennis.com