What is First Double Fault? First Double Fault Explained in 2 minutes

David Genge Editor

Fact checked by:
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
26/06/2026

First double fault refers to a player’s first time failing on both serves in a tennis game. They then surrender a point to the opposition.

Each player gets two attempts to land their ball in the opposition’s service box but if the ball fails to clear the net or lands outside the service box on the first serve, it is known as a fault.

If the same thing occurs on the server’s next serve, then it is deemed a double fault and the opponent automatically receives the point.

Among professionals, double faults are uncommon and when they do occur in high level matches, and can be a difference-maker given the margin of error between two highly-ranked players is usually slim.

To learn more about tennis and how to bet it successfully, be sure to have a look at our betting tennis strategy guide.

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How is First Double Fault used in Sports Betting?

The first double fault of a match is very specific and generally means either the first double fault for a player, of a game or a set and is rarely used in betting on its own.

However, the number of double faults in a game overall may sometimes be offered by any of our bookmakers and can be used in an over/under market.

For example, much like the corners markets in football, a sportsbook may offer punters there to be six or under double faults in match at fixed odds and the same for over seven or over.

Looking at a player’s serving history will go a long way to helping you place this kind of bet and can also help determine the match winner in an even contest as a double fault is a serious player error.

Did you know…

In the 1999 Australian Open, a 17-year-old Anna Kournikova committed a remarkable 31 double faults in a game against Japan’s Miho Saeki in the second round.

However, somehow, Kournikova won the match and made it through to the fourth round where she lost to France’s Mary Pierce.

See also

Ace Betting (Tennis)

Fastest Serve