Same court, different view
You are watching tennis. A game ends, and both players walk around the net to swap ends of the court. A little later, they do it again. Why?
Think about facing a low sun. Looking one way can be much harder than looking the other. The USTA describes exactly this problem in a question about a missed changeover.
Taking turns at each end means neither player keeps the same view throughout the match. The switching follows a fixed pattern, even indoors.
The trick is to count both players’ games
A game is one small contest within a set. Players win points to win games, then games to win sets. If the scoreboard feels unfamiliar, start with our simple tennis scoring guide.
Under ITF Rule 10, players swap ends after game 1, then 3, then 5, and so on in each set. Count the games won by both players.
| Games score | Games played | Swap ends? |
|---|---|---|
| 1–0 | 1 | Yes |
| 1–1 | 2 | No |
| 2–1 | 3 | Yes |
| 3–2 | 5 | Yes |
At the end of a set, an odd total means another swap. An even total means they wait until the first game of the next set. So a set ending 6–3 means a swap; 6–4 means wait.
In a tie-break, count points instead
A tie-break is a special game used to settle a tied score. Its points go 1, 2, 3, rather than 15, 30, 40.
The standard pattern is to swap after every six points in total: at 4–2, for example, then at 6–6 if play continues. Some competitions use the Coman pattern: after the first point, then every four points. Check the event’s format before expecting one pattern everywhere.
The USTA’s 2026 handbook explains both patterns under Rule 10.
Why do they sometimes sit down?
Switching ends does not always include a rest. Under Rule 29 in the same handbook, players keep moving after the first game of a set and during a tie-break.
Other ordinary changeovers allow up to 90 seconds; a set break allows up to 120 seconds. These are limits between points, not extra time added after reaching the chair.
Can you spot the next swap?
Imagine the games score has just become 4–3. Before opening the answer, count all the games played.
Do the players change ends now?
Yes. Four games plus three makes seven. Seven is an odd number, so it is time to switch ends.
Next time you watch a match, try predicting one changeover before the players move. Then look at the ball: its familiar yellow colour has a story too.