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With the beginning of May comes the perfect weather for playing tennis, and the return of pick-up matches, summer leagues and plenty of recreational tennis action. That also means the return of debates over lines and serves, questionable calls and the perennial query: What does The Code say?

Court of Appeals is here to clear the air. Rebel Good, a past editor of Friend at Court, the USTA’s handbook of rules and regulations, has taught officiating for more than 30 years and will resolve all your rules questions and quarrels.

Ill Informed:

My opponent felt sick because she was hot, and asked the umpire for a break during the middle of the set. The umpire gave her a three-minute Medical Timeout. Is she entitled to a break for loss of conditioning?

Jim Kaser, Toledo, Ohio

An opponent is entitled to a Medical Timeout to deal with a “treatable medical condition” under USTA TR III.E.3.

The regulations allow one MTO per match to treat a “heat related” condition, such as cramping (but not multiple MTOs for cramping in different body parts). The regulations also prohibit taking a MTO for “general fatigue” (TR III.E.4.b.).

The key words in your description are “felt sick.” An official hearing that should allow the Medical Timeout.

Rebel Good

Got a question? Send it our way. Email your question to courtofappeals@tennis.com