Brian Dimsho is a USTA certified official and the resident official of the Orange County Grand Prix.

by Servenvolley99

Q: Can a player constantly be talking throughout the match, i.e. complaining, griping, and even taunting the opposing player (players)? I was involved in a very tough, but enjoyable mixed doubles match. From the start of the match my opponent complained to anyone that would listen. He complained to his partner, the on court coach and even the audience. I think I even saw him complaining to bird that landed on the next court. Can this type of behavior go on?

A: Under the Code it states that "a player shall not take while the ball is moving towards the opponent's side of the court, and if the talking interferes with an opponent's ability to play the ball the player loses the point". During change overs and between point players will talk some will try to pump themselves up for the next point, game, or set and some will just whine about anything they chose to. As long as they do not cross the line of abuse or unsportsmenship they are free to talk.