Continuous play
ITF · 2026Time limits between points, changeovers and sets, with the permitted equipment, medical and rest exceptions.
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29. Continuous play and timing29(b). Equipment problems29(c). Medical and personal breaks29(d–e). Optional rest and warm-up29. Continuous play and timing
Play should continue from the moment the opening serve of the match is put into play until the match finishes. The permitted interval runs from the end of a point until the next point’s 1st serve is struck.
- Allow at most 25 seconds between points.
- A change of ends after a game allows at most 90 seconds. After the 1st game of each set and during a tie-break, change ends without a rest and keep play continuous.
- A set break allows at most 120 seconds.
- Organisers may apply to the ITF for approval to extend the 90-second changeover and 120-second set-break limits.
29(b). Equipment problems
When reasons beyond a player’s control cause clothing, footwear or necessary equipment to break or need replacing, reasonable extra time may be allowed to fix it. This exception does not cover the racket.
29(c). Medical and personal breaks
Extra time is not allowed merely to recover physical condition. A treatable medical condition may, however, receive 1 medical time-out of 3 minutes for its treatment.
A limited number of toilet or change-of-attire breaks may also be permitted if announced before the event.
29(d–e). Optional rest and warm-up
If announced in advance, organisers may allow a rest of up to 10 minutes after set 3 in a best-of-5 match or after set 2 in a best-of-3 match.
Warm-up is limited to 5 minutes unless the organisers decide otherwise.
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