What counts as a hindrance, and when do we replay the point?

Question

Accepted Answer

Deliberate hindrance by your opponent, such as a ringing cell phone or yelling to distract you while you're about to hit: you win the point (ITF Rule 26; Code 34, 36). Unintentional hindrance, or something outside your control, such as a ball rolling onto your court or your opponent's hat falling off: replay the point, but only if you could have made the shot. Stop play as soon as possible; if you choose to play on, you lose the right to a let (Code 17, 18, 33, 36). No let for something within your own control: your racket slipping out of your hand, your shoe coming off, tripping over your own hat. Out calls and other noise from spectators are not hindrances. In doubles, partners may talk when the ball is moving toward them, but not when it's moving toward the opponents (Code 34).