A change of court orientation occurs at specific junctures within a tennis match. This change ensures that neither player or team gains an unfair advantage due to factors such as wind or sun position. The fundamental rule dictates that players alternate sides at the end of each odd-numbered game within a set. A further change happens at the conclusion of each set unless the total number of games in that set is even, in which case the change occurs at the end of the first game of the next set.
Fairness and equal playing conditions are the primary motivations behind these transitions. By periodically switching sides, any environmental factors that could disproportionately favor one competitor are mitigated. Historically, this protocol has been essential to the sport’s integrity, preventing skewed outcomes based on external elements and promoting a more balanced contest. These periodic changes ensure each competitor experiences similar challenges throughout the entirety of the match.
