Is there a time limit or score limit for deuce?

Submitted by Christopher Tan
(Singapore)

What is the ultimate decision when 2 players are playing in the final game after a 2-2 score and going into a deuce situation in the 5th set?

Is there any maximum limit or scoreline if the deuce stretches into say a 20-20 scoreline situation?

----- Martin's Reply -----

Christopher,

Thanks for your question.

In the situation you describe, the game would continue until one player had a two point advantage. There would be no time limit or score limit.

However, there is a rule called expedite.

The expedite rule comes into effect after 10 minutes of play in a single game. But it does not come into effect if 18 points have been scored in a single game (so if the score was 9-9 or 10-8, the expedite rule would not apply).

I discuss the expedite rule here...

www.allabouttabletennis.com/basic-table-tennis-rule.html