A "let" in tennis is a call that essentially means "redo" or "replay the point" due to an interruption or hindrance during play, most commonly during a serve. The most typical situation for a let is when the served ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. In this case, the serve does not count as a fault, and the server is allowed to serve again without penalty

When is a Let Called?

• Service Let: When the ball hits the net (usually the net cord at the top) and lands in the correct service box.
• If the ball hits the net and touches the receiver or their clothing before landing.
• If the server serves before the receiver is ready.
• Other lets can be called if a ball from another court rolls onto the playing area or if there is a significant distraction or interference affecting play

What Happens After a Let?

• If a let occurs on the first serve, the server gets to serve again.
• If it occurs on the second serve, the server also gets another attempt.
• There is no limit to the number of consecutive lets; the server keeps retrying until a valid serve is made or a fault is committed

Additional Details

• If the ball hits the net but lands outside the correct service box, it is considered a fault, not a let.
• Lets can be called by the umpire in professional matches, often aided by electronic sensors that detect net contact.
• At recreational levels, lets are usually called by players themselves and are judgment calls

Origin of the Term "Let"

The term likely originates from the Old Saxon word "lettian," meaning "to hinder," or possibly from the French word "filet," meaning "net." Another theory is that it simply refers to "letting" the point be replayed

. In summary, a let in tennis is a rule that allows a point to be replayed when an external factor, most commonly a net touch on the serve, interferes with fair play