Can the receiver get the 3rd ball, even if it's not a hazard?

[GameSetBeer]

I was playing a singles USTA match a couple weeks ago where the opponent would retrieve the third ball, even though I had two tennis balls on my service game.

It was always during my service game and always when I was ahead and he was very slow doing it.

I realize the rules state the opponent can pick up a stray ball, but it was at the back of the net. One did go on to the other court, but it was at the back fence.

The only way to trip on it would be to run into the chain link fence, it was right up against the fence.

Any advice on what should be said/done if this sort of thing happens in the future?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

He's trying to game you by slowing down the pace and throwing you off of your rhythm.

I'd use it as an opportunity to sharpen my focus and concentration. Making a big deal out of it is probably exactly what he wants because that will definitely take you out of your rhythm. McEnroe and Connors were masters at this. Brad Gilbert writes about this in *Winning Ugly*.

 

[GameSetBeer]

I understand, but it was pretty blatant. Should I do the same back or just play my regular game?

I've had it in park tennis where the guy would go over three courts (no one else was there) to get the ball. I told him it was okay and then got three bad line calls after that.

You're right though, the more you say something, the more out of hand it can get.

He also wasn't calling the score, or would call it very softly. I can understand it if you're a pro, but at the club level it's pathetic IMO.


Any examples of what I could do to sharpen my focus and concentration when he gets the ball?

 

[esgee48]

Call the AH on it. The game proceeds at the server's pace unless there is a ball on the court that could interrupt play/safety. When you beat him, shake his hand, smile and call him an idiot. He will develop a rep for doing things like this, so report this behavior to the TD. Eventually, they will sneak a ref near his matches and if they catch him doing this, could penalize him or default him.

 

[GameSetBeer]

It took me totally by surprise that someone could be this big of an AH. I'm hoping this kind of behavior is uncommon.

It didn't feel like tennis to me, but more like his scavenger hunt.

Also, is it expected the returner clears a ball on the court with a quick pace? Or can they waddle to the ball?

I just know with this type of player, that if you start calling stuff, it can get into a grudge match really quickly. I suppose at a certain point though, enough is enough.

 

[esgee48]

You don't have to say anything. Just assume 'your ready to serve position and start your routine.' That's why it is important to not do this as you can be labelled as an AH type player. The label gets around and soon most of the players at that level realize it. That eventually gets to the TD, etc. They can penalize this type of behavior whereas you cannot. Just keep your cool. It's a game to be enjoyed unless you run into players like this. The higher you go NTRP-wise, this less this type of behavior is tolerated. In fact, you could start and stop your service motion a few times when he does get back. Just don't do it too much as it can disrupt your service game.

 

[Hangman]

I don't see why you are having a problem with this. If the ball is on his side of the court, he has the right to clear it. Case in point, I twisted my ankle real bad one time with the ball that was laying along the fence and I didn't clear it because it was at the fence. Well, as the point went on, the wind picked up and the ball rolled away from the fence towards the court and as I backed up to hit the ball in play, I didn't see it and twisted my ankle. Ever since, I always pick up the balls on my side of the court.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

It took me totally by surprise that someone could be this big of an AH. I'm hoping this kind of behavior is uncommon.

I've played other types of AHs but not this particular one.

It didn't feel like tennis to me, but more like his scavenger hunt.

Easy solution: early in the match, "accidentally" lose the 3rd ball. "Gee, it was right there! Where could it possibly have gone?" If it's a league match, chances are you won't be given another can and the AH probably won't want to open one of his own.

Also, is it expected the returner clears a ball on the court with a quick pace? Or can they waddle to the ball?

You're not supposed to waddle. However, trying to enforce that rule will likely lead to more antics: the question is, does this hurt you more than his waddling after the ball? He might be betting on it.

I just know with this type of player, that if you start calling stuff, it can get into a grudge match really quickly. I suppose at a certain point though, enough is enough.

Look at it this way: your game must be getting to him if he resorts to cheapo tactics like this. Consider it a compliment.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

You don't have to say anything. Just assume 'your ready to serve position and start your routine.' That's why it is important to not do this as you can be labelled as an AH type player. The label gets around and soon most of the players at that level realize it. That eventually gets to the TD, etc. They can penalize this type of behavior whereas you cannot. Just keep your cool. It's a game to be enjoyed unless you run into players like this. The higher you go NTRP-wise, this less this type of behavior is tolerated. In fact, you could start and stop your service motion a few times when he does get back. Just don't do it too much as it can disrupt your service game.

Unfortunately, this is league: there are no TDs. Whether the LC cares enough to do something is questionable.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Any examples of what I could do to sharpen my focus and concentration when he gets the ball?

I assume you have a pre-serve ritual of some sort [ie Sharapova faces away from the net, fiddles with her strings, bounces a few times, and then turns around]. Just put some cushion into your ritual [just like bands have to keep playing *Pomp and Circumstances* as graduate after graduate walk down the aisle].

I wonder what he would do if you took some practice serves? He might have an aneurysm.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Lol. First world problems.