How it works
The most familiar example is a serve that touches the net and still lands in the correct service box. A let can also be called when an unexpected disturbance prevents fair play.
What people often miss
A serve that touches the net and lands outside the correct box is a fault, not a let. Some competitions use modified no-let rules.
Why this question comes up
The short call can confuse new viewers because it pauses the normal sequence without awarding a point.
Key points
- A let is a situation in which a tennis point or serve is replayed without changing the score.
- The most familiar example is a serve that touches the net and still lands in the correct service box. A let can also be called when an unexpected disturbance prevents fair play.
- A serve that touches the net and lands outside the correct box is a fault, not a let. Some competitions use modified no-let rules.
Bottom line
A let is a situation in which a tennis point or serve is replayed without changing the score.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against International Tennis Federation. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.