In a recent super-champ tournament the following occurred:
Player A and Player B were playing a singles match. Player A had won the first set and they were involved in the second set tie break.
Player A had gotten up 7-5 in the tiebreak but they continued playing thinking they were playing a match tiebreak for some reason. Player B then won three points and was ahead 8-7 in the tiebreak when the father of player A rushed on the court, telling his son, "Stop playing. You have already won the match so get your stuff and get off the court."
Both players were totally confused about what to do so they went to the tournament desk to consult the referee.
How would you rule? Here are three options:
1. Player A won the match because he actually won the first set and then the tiebreak at 7-5 in the second set.
2. Have the players return to the court and play a match tiebreak since that is what they thought they were playing and had not shaken hands when they left the court. The score in the tiebreak would be 8-7 in favor of player B.
3. Have the players return to the court and play a match tiebreak with player B up 9-7 since the referee would assess a point penalty to the father of Player A for going on to the court and stopping play.
In a day or two we will share what ruling the referee made...
13 comments:
GOOD FOR THE DAD! There is NEVER enough parental involvement - I say that tongue in cheek -- but, he is right, the match is over if the players agreed the score was 7-5. HOWEVER, I would tell the Dad to change his involvement pattern... it would not work but I would try!
#2 - I would reference the rule that all points played in good faith stand. That since both players messed up in the same way (thinking they were playing a match tie-break), that they would continue with B leading 8-7.
To go back to A winning 7-5 would take points off and I can't think of a scenario that one would do that.
To code the father and make it 9-7 would be a bit over the top given the unusual circumstances of the situation.
27. CORRECTING ERRORS
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered,all points previously played shall stand.
You can't throw out the three points earned by Player B.
They should return to the court and complete the 10 pt tie break. If the sets split, they would play another 10 pt tiebreak. I hope these were 12 yr olds. Tell Dad to stay off the court and not coach, but I bet they pay attention the next time.
Players both agreed that they were playing a match tiebreak, so let them finish what they both agreed to.
Since players played three points after the 7-5 score they need to play a ten point tiebreaker. Player A incurred a point penalty when his father came onto the court causing a delay in the game . Play is to continue with the score 8-7. Player B has the 8
. jey
"Where were the officials?" Probably handling something on one of the other 15 courts he or she was assigned to.
How can points played after the match is over be in good faith. The match was over at 7-5.
the match should have been over at 7-5 but both players agreed to play on and thus the match continued, so pts after 7-5 were played in good faith, so match continues.
OK, we've all been holding our collective breath. What was the referee's ruling in this situation?
The referee ruled that the match was complete when the player was up 7-5 in the tiebreak.
Big Mike would have probably ruled the same way!!
Wonder where Player B's father was? And how big was he?
Even though the referee ruled the match over at 7-5, I believe the correct call was that points played in good faith should stand.
Furthermore, were the precedent set that parents could intervene, we could see them quickly use this to their advantage, having play stopped for a variety of reasons - potty breaks, injuries, etc....
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