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

by Just call me Dolly

Q: Hello: This is rather embarrassing, however, I encounterd an unfortunate problem during a recent match. My partner and I were playing in a tournament match, (not as well run as a Grand Prix event I might add)Being rather well-endowed, my bra strap snapped and left me....well let's just say I had a problem. The umpire, who was now "closely" watching our match would not allow me to change. What is the rule? we...."barely" pulled out the match. Thanks

A: Your type of support failure discribed should have been treated as an "other than racket" equipment failure, and you should have been given reasonable amount of time to repair or replace the failed item, including to be allowed to leave the court to obtain replacment support equipment providing that it can be done in a reasonable amount of time. Brian