Tacit guidelines of tennis and the occasional turbulence in post-game handshakes at the US Open
The world of tennis is not just about serves, volleys, and aces. It's also about rituals, unwritten rules, and the occasional post-match dispute. Let's delve into some recent incidents that have sparked discussions in the tennis community.
At the US Open 2022, a heated exchange took place between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend at the net. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, called Townsend "uneducated" following a disagreement over a ball that hit the net tape and went over, and Townsend starting their warm-up with volleys instead of groundstrokes. These actions, while not breaking any official rules, are considered improper in tennis etiquette.
Similar disputes have occurred elsewhere. In Canada this month, Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli had a back-and-forth after their match. At Wimbledon in 2024, Taylor Fritz sarcastically told a defeated opponent to "have a nice flight home."
Brad Gilbert, a former player and coach, emphasised the importance of winning with class and losing with dignity in tennis. His sentiments were echoed by Iga Swiatek, who stated that it's good to congratulate someone if you lost.
However, not everyone agrees. Daniel Altmaier, for instance, chose to turn his back on Stefanos Tsitsipas instead of engaging in a discussion after a disagreement at the net. Jiri Lehecka believes that conflicts are better resolved "in the locker room, behind closed doors," instead of in front of a crowd and TV audience.
The post-match greeting at the net, a ritual in tennis, can sometimes lead to disputes. Maria Sakkari, a two-time major semifinalist, acknowledges that there will be incidents where people don't get along. Danielle Collins gave Iga Swiatek an earful about being "insincere" at the Paris Olympics.
The US Open has seen its fair share of discussions about unwritten rules this year. Week 1 brought up discussions about the "sorry, not sorry" raised hand after a let cord, the proper way to warm up with an opponent, and the legitimacy of an underarm serve.
The tennis community is not immune to tense moments, but they serve as a reminder of the human element in the sport. As Andrea Petkovic, a 2014 French Open semifinalist who retired three years ago, puts it, these incidents provide glimpses of the "persona of the player."
Despite the occasional disagreement, the spirit of sportsmanship remains a fundamental aspect of tennis. As players continue to compete on the court, the hope is that they remember to treat each other with respect, both in victory and defeat.
