Tennis players who enter a tournament or match must not withdraw from that event except because of injury or illness, according to the United States Tennis Association. The USTA, the governing body for tennis in this country, follows all International Tennis Federation rules regarding player injuries and medical timeouts.
Medical Timeouts
If a player has a treatable medical condition or a treatable injury, he may take one three-minute medical timeout during a match. The player must receive treatment for his injury or condition during that timeout. Players cannot have extra time simply to catch their breath or recover from a difficult point or game. Players may contact the referee or roving umpire to request a medical timeout.
Toilet Breaks
Rules officials may grant players a limited number of toilet or change of attire breaks during a match if the player requests them ahead of time. Players should take these breaks during set breaks or at odd game changeovers if possible. Players may not receive coaching during medical timeouts or toilet breaks.
Continuous Play Violations
Players must take no longer than 20 seconds between points, and no longer than 90 seconds for change of ends after odd games. If an injury prevents a player from continuing play within these time limits, her opponent wins the match by default.
Injuries Caused by Players
If a player accidentally injures his opponent and the opponent cannot resume play within the time limit, the player causing the injury wins the match by default. If, however, a player intentionally injures an opponent, the opponent wins the match by default. Rules officials must judge whether the injury was caused deliberately.
Member Comments