A server gets two chances to put the ball into the correct service box. Miss both, and the point is over: that is a double fault. It can happen in a blink, but at 30–40 or on a tiebreak point, it can change the feel of an entire match.
What counts as a double fault?
A double fault occurs when a player faults on both the first and second serve of the same point. The receiver wins the point as soon as the second serve is called a fault. The server does not get a third attempt.
A serve is good when it lands in the diagonally opposite service box, including on the lines. If the first serve misses, the server gets a second serve. If that one also misses the target—or breaks another serving rule—the point goes to the receiver.
For example, suppose the score is 15–30. The server hits the first serve long, then sends the second into the net. The receiver wins the point, and the score becomes 15–40. The server has not lost a game automatically; the result depends on the score. At 40–30, a double fault brings the game to deuce. On a break point, it hands the receiver the game.
What makes a serve a fault?
The most familiar faults are straightforward: the serve lands long, wide, or in the net. But a serve can be faulted for other reasons too. A foot fault happens if the server touches the baseline, the court inside it, or the wrong area alongside it with a foot before striking the ball. The server must also hit the ball rather than miss it while attempting the stroke.
Contact with the net does not always mean the serve is a fault. If the ball clips the net and then lands in the correct service box, it is a let and the serve is replayed. That applies on a second serve as well: the server keeps the second serve rather than losing the point. A serve that touches the net and lands outside the correct box is a fault.
| What happens | Result |
|---|---|
| First serve lands out or in the net | Fault; the server gets a second serve |
| Second serve is a fault | Double fault; the receiver wins the point |
| Serve clips the net and lands in the correct box | Let; replay the serve |
| Serve lands on a service-box line | Good serve; play continues |
A player who tosses the ball but does not swing at it has not automatically committed a fault. They can catch or let the ball fall and begin the service motion again, provided they follow the rules. That is different from swinging and missing, which is a fault.
Why double faults matter so much
A double fault is more than a missed shot: it gives the receiver a point without requiring them to hit a return. The cost is especially high on break point, when the receiver is one point from winning the game, or in a tiebreak, where every point has extra weight. A double fault at a less critical score still matters, but the server has more room to recover.
It can also affect what happens next. A player who has just double-faulted may feel pressure to make the next first serve safer. That can make the serve easier to attack. On the other hand, trying to avoid another fault by guiding the ball can create a hesitant motion and make matters worse.
Players balance risk and control differently. A powerful first serve can earn free points but may miss more often. The second serve is usually built around a larger margin: more spin, a higher trajectory over the net, or placement that moves the receiver away from an easy attack. On clay, topspin can help the ball dip into the service box and kick up after the bounce. On quicker courts, a slice serve can pull the returner wide.
Double faults and match statistics
Scoreboards and match reports usually list double faults alongside aces and first-serve percentages. The number is useful, but it does not tell the whole story. A player with several double faults may still have served well overall if they hit many aces and won a high share of service points. A player with only one may have struggled to hold serve for other reasons.
Context matters, too. A double fault under pressure can be costly, but a season total does not show when those faults happened or how the server responded. Compare it with first- and second-serve points won, break points faced, and service games held for a fuller picture.
In doubles, the same basic rule applies: two faults on the serve cost the serving team the point. The receiver’s position and the server’s target may change with tactics, but the service boxes and fault sequence remain the same.
How players try to reduce double faults
Good servers do not simply aim to avoid the lines. They use a repeatable routine and choose a second serve they trust under pressure. Common adjustments include adding spin, aiming farther from the service-box edges, and choosing a target that fits the score and the opponent’s return position.
- Use a dependable second serve. A controlled kick or slice serve can be safer than trying to hit a flat winner twice.
- Keep the motion consistent. Rushing the toss or changing the rhythm after a missed first serve can disrupt timing.
- Pick a clear target. A specific direction or area gives the server a plan, rather than leaving them focused only on not missing.
- Reset after a fault. Taking a breath and returning to the usual routine can help prevent one miss from turning into two.
Even the best players double-fault. The aim is not to remove every risk from serving; an overly cautious serve can invite the receiver to attack. The goal is to choose a second serve that is reliable enough to start the point while still making the return difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a double fault count as a point for the opponent?
Yes. When the second serve is called a fault, the receiver wins the point immediately. The score then advances just as it would after any other point.
Can a player double-fault on a second serve that clips the net?
If the ball clips the net and lands in the correct service box, it is a let, not a fault, and the second serve is replayed. If it lands outside the box, it is a fault and the receiver wins the point.
Does a serve that lands on the line count as a fault?
No. The service-box lines are part of the box, so a serve touching the correct line is good.
Is a foot fault the same as a double fault?
No. A foot fault is one type of service fault. If it happens on the first serve, the server gets a second serve. If the second serve is also faulted—including for a foot fault—the result is a double fault.
Final Thoughts
A double fault is simply two serving faults on one point, but its effect depends on the score and the moment. Knowing the difference between a fault, a let, and a good serve makes the call easy to follow. For players, a dependable second serve and a steady routine are the best defenses against letting one missed serve become a lost point.
