Double fault

A double fault is two consecutive service faults on one point. The server gets two attempts; if the first serve is a fault, whether it lands outside the service box, hits the net and falls back, or is a foot fault, the server serves again from the same side. If the second serve is a fault too, the point goes to the receiver. It is the only way in tennis to lose a point without the ball ever being in play.

When you see it

Double faults are counted alongside aces, and the two numbers together describe how a player is serving: a big first serve with many aces is often paid for with double faults, because the same player takes risks on the second ball. A double fault on break point or at 5-6 in a tiebreak hands over a game or a set without the opponent hitting a shot, which is why it is the error players talk about afterwards. A serve that touches the net and lands in is a let and is replayed; it is not a fault.

Rule basis

Rule 19 of the ITF Rules of Tennis lists what makes a service a fault, Rule 20 gives the server a second service, and Rule 24 states that the point is lost if "the player serves two consecutive faults".