Doubles player Retirement but Partner Continues to Play

2026 Rule:

21.C.9 Match Retirement. A match retirement is imposed when a player is not able to continue play after the 15-minute medical time-out period expires. A player may use their available standard time-outs to allow more time before the match must be retired (Rule 21.A.4). In doubles, if the retiring player's partner decides to continue, the match will resume following all applicable rules. The retiring player must leave the playing surface.

2025 Rule

If the player cannot resume play after the medical time out expires, the match will be declared a retirement in singles. In doubles, if the retiring player's partner decides to continue, the match will resume following all applicable rules. The retiring player must leave the playing surface.

10.B.2.c - If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute medical time out period the match will be declared a retirement in singles and only if both players agree to a retirement in a doubles match. If one player on a doubles team decides to continue, the match  can resume following all other rules.  The player that could not resume play will be disqualified from play but may be allowed safely watch the remainder of the match from off the playing surface.

10.B.2.c – If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute medical time out period the match will be declared a retirement.

A doubles team is two players and one player can continue when their partner cannot.  The player that cannot resume play will not be allowed to remain on the playing surface due to safety reasons.  This player is disqualified from that match and may watch from off the playing surface or remain in the venue.  Since the player is disqualified they are not required to be on their assigned end of the court.  They are entitled to any medals won by the Team.

A singles player receives medical attention and is not cleared by medical or personally decides they cannot resume play. The match is declared a Retirement.

A doubles player receives medical attention and is not cleared by medical or personally decides they cannot resume play.  Their partner wants to continue.  Since a team can be one person, the remaining player may continue.  They will have to follow all rules meaning they will forfeit their serve when it is their partners turn and they cannot receive a serve when it would be their partners turn.

The non playing partner may not be on the playing surface for safety reasons. They may be anywhere in the venue since they are disqualified from the match.

The match cannot start with only one doubles player by rule.