Resolving Your Rules Questions And Quarrels

Your Rules Questions And Quarrels

- Rebel Good

Q In doubles, I ran outside the sideline and ripped a return so hard that my string broke. I dropped the racquet, picked up my backup racquet that was close by, and continued playing. Is it legal to switch racquets during a point?

—David H. Callahan, East Kingston, NH

A: Ah, the old switcheroo. You certainly should get extra points for inventiveness, reaction time and athleticism . . . just not in this match. Rule 4, Case 5, states that a player is not “allowed to use more than one racquet at any time during play.”

Get a Grip?

While following an approach shot to the net, I stumbled and lost grip of my racquet. I caught it just below the throat and unexpectedly hit a volley winner. My opponent claimed the point was his, as I wasn’t holding onto the actual grip of the racquet. I disagreed strongly and refused to concede the point. —Chris Whipps, San Francisco, CA