Imagine ... stepping onto the court on a bright summer’s day, racket in hand, ready to enjoy a good game of tennis. The air is filled with excitement, the sound of balls being struck echoes around you, and you’re looking forward to a friendly but competitive match.
Now, imagine your opponent suddenly smashing their racket to the ground, yelling at the umpire, or deliberately making bad line calls. Annoying, isn’t it? Tennis is a game of skill, but also of respect. Whether you're a player or a spectator, good etiquette is key to keeping the sport enjoyable for everyone. So, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts of tennis etiquette.
Respect the Spectators
As a player, you’re not just playing for yourself – you’re part of a wider experience for those watching. People come to see a good match, not a tantrum.
Do:
- Keep your composure, even when frustrated. Fans admire resilience more than outbursts.
- Respect the ball kids and line judges – they’re doing their best, and they don’t deserve abuse.
Don’t:
- Throw your racket in frustration. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also a fast way to lose respect (and possibly get fined).
- Swear loudly or scream at the umpire. John McEnroe’s famous “You cannot be serious!” rant at Wimbledon in 1981 was legendary, but it also earned him a reputation as a bad boy of tennis.
- Hit balls angrily into the stands – just ask Novak Djokovic, who was disqualified from the 2020 US Open for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball.
Respect Your Opponent
Nothing sours a match faster than bad sportsmanship. A little competitiveness is great, but disrespecting your opponent? That’s a big no-no.
Do:
Shake hands (or tap rackets) before and after the match. A simple gesture of goodwill goes a long way.
Call the score clearly before each serve so there’s no confusion.
Play fairly – make honest line calls, even if it means losing a point.
Apologise if you win a lucky point (like a net cord drop) – it’s a small thing but shows class.
Don’t:
Celebrate excessively when your opponent makes an unforced error. Winning a point because they double-faulted isn’t really your victory.
Stall between points or take unnecessary bathroom breaks to throw your opponent off their rhythm.
Engage in psychological warfare – grunting unnecessarily, glaring, or making sarcastic remarks won’t earn you any fans.
One of the most infamous examples of poor sportsmanship is Nick Kyrgios. Love him or hate him, he’s had his fair share of on-court meltdowns, from insulting umpires to smashing rackets and even arguing with spectators. Let's not overlook the fact that Nick Kyrgios's misconduct - though I could list more examples, I’d rather not amplify his notoriety just yet - has resulted in hefty fines and suspensions.
On the flip side, Jannik Sinner is a fantastic example of sportsmanship in tennis. The young Italian is known for his calm, composed attitude on court, always respecting his opponents and officials, even in the heat of battle. His professional approach and humility make him a role model for aspiring players.
Respect the Umpire
The umpire’s job is tough enough without players arguing every call. Sure, mistakes happen, but constant complaining won’t change the decision.
Do:
Accept calls with grace, even if you disagree. Bad calls are frustrating, but arguing endlessly won’t help.
Use the challenge system if available, rather than confronting the umpire aggressively.
Follow the code of conduct – excessive arguing can lead to warnings, point penalties, or even match defaults.
Don’t:
Drag out arguments over a single point. We all remember Serena Williams’ clash with the umpire at the 2018 US Open, where she was penalised for coaching, racket abuse, and verbal abuse, costing her a game penalty in the final.
Mock or insult the umpire – they’re doing their job, and they deserve respect.
Ignore the umpire’s instructions. If they tell you to hurry up or stop talking to your box, listen.
Respect the Place
Tennis courts, whether at a local club or a Grand Slam venue, should be treated with care.
Do:
Pick up after yourself. Leaving water bottles, banana peels, or used grips lying around is just lazy.
Respect the court rules – if there’s a dress code, follow it. (Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code exists for a reason!)
Keep the court clean and in good condition – avoid dragging your feet aggressively or damaging the surface.
Don’t:
Spit on the court – it’s unhygienic and disgusting.
Hit balls out of anger – it’s not only unsportsmanlike, but it can be dangerous.
Respect Yourself
Finally, respect for yourself is just as important. Tennis is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally.
Do:
Train your mind as well as your body. Staying composed under pressure makes you a better player.
Keep a positive attitude – even if you’re losing, maintaining your dignity is key.
Learn from your mistakes instead of blaming others.
Don’t:
Let one bad call ruin your whole match.
Get into fights with opponents, umpires, or fans. Daniil Medvedev famously clashed with the US Open crowd in 2019, sarcastically thanking them for booing him – it didn’t win him any sympathy.
Walk off the court mid-match unless absolutely necessary – it’s disrespectful to your opponent and the sport.
As a Spectator
Watching tennis is just as much a part of the experience as playing it, but there are rules to follow too.
(The Carota Boys)
Do:
Clap politely for good points, regardless of who won them.
Keep noise levels down during points – wait until breaks to cheer or talk.
Follow the seating rules – moving around mid-point is a major distraction.
Don’t:
Shout out during a rally. Distracting the players is unfair.
Boo players (even the controversial ones). Tennis is about respect.
Take loud phone calls or text with your screen brightness on full blast – it’s inconsiderate.
Don’t Become an Obsessed Fan
Passionate support is great, but there’s a line between enthusiasm and obsession. Tennis has seen its darkest moment when Monica Seles was stabbed on court by an obsessed fan in 1993. Such incidents are a reminder that players are human beings, not objects of fixation. Cheer for your favourites, but respect their privacy and safety.
Off-Court Tennis Etiquette: Social Media
Social media gives fans direct access to players, but that doesn’t mean it’s an excuse to criticise or harass them. Players are people too, and constant online abuse can take a toll on their mental health.
Do:
Show support and encouragement, even when your favourite loses.
Engage in respectful discussions about matches and players.
Don’t:
Send hateful messages or threats – it’s unacceptable.
Criticise players excessively over losses – they’re giving their best effort.
Final Thoughts
At its core, tennis is a sport built on tradition, respect, and integrity. Whether you're playing or watching, following proper etiquette ensures the game remains enjoyable for everyone. So next time you step on the court or into the stands, remember: respect your opponent, respect the game, and respect yourself. After all, no one wants to be the person who ruins a good match – or gets remembered for the wrong reasons.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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