APPENDIX K ITF RULES OF TENNIS Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a singles stick and hits the ground  in the correct court. Is this is a good return? Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and hits the singles stick, it is a service  fault. Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is lying in the correct court. What is  the correct decision? Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear that the actual ball in play has  been returned, a let should be called. If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the  opponent(s), the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the  point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside  the player’s own control (not including a permanent fixture). C ase 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance? Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (f). 26. HINDRANCE Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because the player thought that the  opponent(s) was being hindered. Is this a hindrance? Decision: No, the player loses the point. Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the court. Is this a hin drance? Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed. Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that was lying on the player’s side of  the net when the point started hinders the player. Is this a hindrance? Decision: No. Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner and receiver’s partner allowed to  stand? Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s partner may take any position  on their own side of the net, inside or outside the court. However, if a player is  creating a hindrance to the opponent(s), the hindrance rule should be used. 457