Tennis doubles serving order: who serves next
Short answer: The serve rotates between the teams and between partners: Team A player 1, then Team B player 1, then Team A player 2, then Team B player 2, and repeat. Each team decides who serves first for them at the start of every set.
The rotation, game by game
Game 1: A1 serves. Game 2: B1. Game 3: A2. Game 4: B2. Game 5: A1 again. Every player serves every fourth game.
Who receives where
Each receiving pair decides who takes the deuce (right) side and who takes the ad (left) side, and they keep those sides for the whole set. The server starts each game from the deuce side and alternates sides every point.
What can change between sets
At the start of each set, either team may change which partner serves first and which side each partner receives on.
Serving in a tiebreak
The next player in the rotation serves the first point. Then the rotation continues with each player serving two points in turn. Teams change ends every 6 points.
Never lose track
In Deucely, enter four names when you start a doubles match. The scoreboard shows the serving player's name and whether to serve from the deuce or ad side, and it keeps rotating correctly through tiebreaks and new sets.
FAQ
Can we change the serving order mid-set?
No. The order can only be changed at the start of a new set.
What happens if the wrong player serves?
Points already played count. The correct server takes over as soon as the mistake is noticed.
Do partners have to receive on the same side all set?
Yes. Each partner keeps receiving from the side they chose (deuce or ad) for the whole set.
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