How do I handle time violations?

Time limits (ITF Rule 29): 25 seconds between points; 90 seconds at a changeover; 120 seconds at a set break; warm-up 5 minutes unless the event decides otherwise. When practical with a certified official directly observing the match, the 25 seconds runs from the moment the ball goes out of play until it's struck (USTA Reg. IV.D.5). The 25-second limit doesn't apply when a player has to chase a stray ball (USTA Comment 29.1).

Penalties (Table 15), for delay between points or after warm-up, and for exceeding the changeover, set break or 3-minute rest:

1. First violation: warning
2. Each additional violation: one point

• Don't assess two consecutive time violations unless an actual point has been played in between.
• Continued delay after a time violation, such as not playing within 25 seconds of being told to resume, is a code violation under Table 14, not another time violation.

Players with a medical condition may "buy time" with penalties, except during the warm-up (Reg. IV.D.12).