Can you call your own first serve out in tennis?

Usually, no. In an unofficiated match using USTA's The Code, the server cannot call their own first serve out just because they think it missed. If the receiver plays it and returns it into play without a fault call, keep playing. There is an exception for a faulty first serve followed by a failed return. The restriction also covers the server's doubles partner. See The Code, section 26.

This answer covers matches using The Code. Matches with officials or electronic line calling use their applicable calling procedures.

You returned the first serve in, but the server stopped

You send a close first serve down the line. Your opponent watches the return land in, then pulls out another ball: they thought their serve was long.

That does not cancel your return. USTA's AD-Inbox answer addresses a server trying to erase a return winner this way. Playing a close serve may mean the receiver gave it the benefit of the doubt.

If your valid return bounces twice before the server hits it, the server loses the point under ITF rule 24(b). Rule 11 keeps the ball in play until the point is decided, unless a fault or let is called. The server reaching for a second ball does not provide a replay.

The exception: the first serve was out and the return failed

Suppose the first serve was actually long. You tried to return it, but your return hit the net. Here the serving team may call that first serve a fault and take a second serve. The USTA explanation requires both facts: a faulty first serve and a return that was not put in play.

Missing the return does not, by itself, earn another serve. If the serve was good and your return went into the net, the server won the point. A failed return cannot tell you whether the serve was a fault.

Can you call your own second serve out?

Yes. The server and their partner must call a second serve out if either clearly sees it out. After a first-service fault, that is a double fault, even if the receiver tries to play it. The Code's section 26 treats first and second serves differently; a doubles partner cannot overrule a live first-serve return simply because the serve looked out to them.

What to say between points

As receiver, call a fault clearly and promptly when you see it. If you cannot call the serve out with certainty, play it as good. The Code's sections 6, 8, 15 and 17 set out those responsibilities.

After the point ends, try: "I played that first serve as good and my return was in. We needed to keep playing." Explain the failed-return exception too, if that is where you disagree.

For help handling the serve itself, see our tennis return strategy guide. If you have lost track of the next server, the doubles tiebreak serving-order guide walks through the rotation.