A player is deemed to have arrived when the player checks in at the place designated for checking in and is properly clothed, equipped, and ready to play. The Referee shall start the lateness penalty clock when the scheduled match time has arrived, and court is available, and a player has not arrived. The Referee is not required to keep a court open while awaiting a player. Except for a Default, an official shall never assess more than a 3-game penalty for lateness.
| Lateness for Start of Match |
Penalties |
| If one player or team is late |
5 minutes or less = Loss of toss plus 1 game
|
| 5:01 - 10 minutes = Loss of toss plus 2 games |
| 10:01 - 15 minutes = Loss of toss plus 3 games |
| More than 15 minutes = Default |
| Both players equally late up to 15 minutes |
No penalty |
| Both players more than 15 minutes late |
The Referee may default both players, or the Referee may reinstate the match using the principle in effect when both players are late, but arrive at different times. |
| Both players late, but arrive at different times |
The penalty accrues on the arrival of the first players (A). The opponent (B) loses the toss and one, two, or three games depending on the time elapsed between A's arrival and B's arrival. |
USTA rule for a graduated penalty system as listed in the Friend at Court
Guidelines for the Length of Rest Period Between Matches
- 15 - 20 minutes rest time following a "straight-set" match
|
- 20 - 30 minutes rest time following a "split-set" match
|
- 10 - 15 minutes rest time following a "pro=set" match
|