Tennis Etiquette:

Modern-Day Manners for Tennis Players

 

The mark of great sportsmen is not how good they are at their best,
but how good they are at their worst.

                                                                                               ―Martina Navratilova

 

I recently started playing tennis again after a long break, and it occurred to me that I had included a chapter on golf etiquette in my last two etiquette books, “The Gentleman’s Journey to Success” and “THRIVE,” but had not included a chapter on tennis etiquette. Like golf, tennis has always been considered a “gentleman’s” sport due to the traditionally polite, well-mannered men, as well as women, who play tennis. 

If you want to build strong relationships outside of the office, I highly recommend taking up golf or tennis if you do not already play one of these sports. Both offer a great way to socialize, network, and build rapport with colleagues and clients.  Of course, playing either sport is also a way to make new friends, exercise, and have fun. Although networking possibilities exist in other sports, golf and tennis are lifelong activities and ones that women do just as well as men. 

According to “Forbes” magazine, 90% of CEOs play golf, and 80% of executives say playing golf enables them to establish new business relationships. Although not as many CEOs play tennis, due to the nature of the sport, many do.  So, choose your sport but choose one of them if you want to get ahead in business and stand out at your next company retreat.

I am assuming you know the basic rules of tennis. For example, how to win a point, how to keep score and how to win a game, set and match. I am also assuming you know how to be a polite, respectful spectator at matches. The purpose of this article is to provide you with the most important manners to mind on the tennis court.

 

History of Tennis

Most historians believe tennis was originated in the monastic cloisters in northern France in the 12th century, but the ball was then struck with the palm of the hand rather than with a racket. It was not until the 16th century that racquets came into use, and the game began to be called tennis. It was popular in England and France, and Henry VIII of England, one of the first royals to play the game, built his own tennis court at Hampton Court Palace. While the exact court is no longer in existence, a similar court was built in its place in 1625 and is still in use today.

Although for a long time, the game of tennis was played mostly by royalty and the upper classes, it became more popular in the mainstream in the early 1900s when the first Davis Cup tie was announced. In 1913, the foundations of professional tennis were created when the ITF (International Tennis Federation) was launched. Tennis is now a global sport played by anyone who is interested in the game.

 

Tennis Etiquette

Tennis has always been a sport where manners and polite, respectful behavior have characterized the people that play it. From its inception stemming from the royals and gentry of England and France, tennis is steeped in history surrounding manners and etiquette.

In terms of tennis etiquette, I am referring to the niceties of the game.  This means being well mannered, playing fairly, and being a good sport to your opponent and those around you.

Following are the modern-day manners players need to follow on the tennis court:

1.  Speak softly, turn your cellphone ringer off, and limit your conversations during matches.

Whether talking to another person on your court, playing near a group of players on an adjoining court, or walking past another court, keep your voice down as much as possible. If you have taken your cell phone with you to the tennis court, be sure to turn the ringer off; and unless you are a doctor or there is an emergency, you should avoid taking or making calls on the court. One of the most frustrating things as a tennis player is to be distracted in the middle of a point when you are trying to be competitive and concentrate.

In addition, lengthy conversations should be avoided on the court. Wait until there is a break, or better still, wait until the match is over. Minimal small talk is most appropriate and appreciated until you are away from the tennis courts.

2.  Keep track of your balls.

One of the most important aspects of playing good tennis is keeping your balls in your court. However, if you are playing near other courts and a ball of yours is hit on to another court, don’t shout and scream at the other players and distract them unless they are in danger of falling over the ball. Politely wait until their point is finished before asking for it back or retrieving it yourself.

When it is your turn to serve, be sure to have two tennis balls in your hand, pocket, or ball clip. Your opponent should not have to wait for you to locate a ball between points. 

3. Warming up.

Before tennis matches start, about five minutes is given to warm up. During the warming up period, you should play in a way that allows you and your opponent to stretch and loosen up. Hitting balls to your opponent rather than trying to ace them or put them away is the way warmups should be conducted. It is not a match after all. Something else to keep in mind is that you should not warm up longer than the standard amount of time if you notice people waiting for courts.

4.  Wait for your turn.

If you need to ask the players on a court you have booked when they will be finishing or whether they will be using more than one court, make sure to wait for their point to end, or for a chance in between games to do this.

Do not stand too close to their court or glare at them if they seem to be taking longer than you think they should to finish their game. Remember, this is a “gentleman’s” game. Be a gentleman (lady).

5. Respect the line calls; and avoid arguments.

Unless it is a tournament, more than likely there will not be an official line caller or camera on the court; therefore, it will be up to the players to make the calls on whether balls are in or out. Disputes over line calls are very common and often up for interpretation. Most players, I would hope, would not intentionally say a ball is out, if it is in, or in, if it is out.

Very competitive players often get upset over line calls that are not theirs to make. Etiquette dictates you should respect your opponent’s line call whether you agree with it or not. It is theirs to make. When you lose a point or are not playing up to your full potential it can be upsetting, but do not let your poor performance take away from others’ enjoyment of the match.

If your opponent is consistently making calls you disagree with, then it might be a good idea to get a bystander or tennis pro to watch the line for you. What you should never do is have an argument on the court—especially a heated one. And never throw your racquet on the court in a fit of anger. Maintain your dignity and good nature. Remember, it is only a game.

6.  Do not celebrate lucky shots or net cords.

If your ball hits the net cord and trickles over, or you frame a shot for a winner, it is good etiquette to not wildly celebrate. This is a lucky way to win a point that you may not have planned and almost certainly gives your opponent no chance of winning the point through no fault of their own. Be gracious. A simple apology for a lucky frame or net cord will ensure good feelings on the court.

Furthermore, it is not considered good manners to make a big fuss over any point you win.  It is only natural to feel elated when you play particularly well but gloating over it in front of your opponent will not be well received. On the other hand, if everyone on both sides of the court celebrates a great point or exciting rally, you can feel free to join in.  

7.  Don’t walk behind or across a court without permission.

If there are a group of players on a court and you need to walk past to get to your court, then make sure you wait for them to finish their point and ask if you can go, rather than just walking behind their court without permission. This is very annoying and distracting for players. Wait for the point to end and ask; it’s always better to be polite!

If spectators want to cross the court, they need to wait for the point to end. This is common sense. The risk of getting hit by the flying tennis ball is also another reason why spectators should never cross a court when players are still volleying the tennis ball.

8.  Apologize if you hit someone.

During a close quarters doubles rally or when hitting a passing shot when your opponent is at the net, if you happen to hit your opponent by mistake then be sure to apologize! It can be painful to get hit with a tennis ball, so the last thing your opponent needs when they get hit is someone celebrating or laughing about it! Be kind instead.

9.  Remember the score.

Another important thing to remember when playing tennis is the score. It is inconsiderate to rely on others to remember every point played. Concentrate on the game and help your opponent and/or doubles partner keep track of the score. Experienced players call the score before serving the ball. It is one of the most basic and common tennis etiquettes to remember.

10. Refrain from giving unsolicited advice or criticizing another player’s performance.

New players often appreciate advice from more experienced players on how they could play better during a match.  Sometimes, however, they would prefer to receive this guidance from their tennis coaches. So, be sure your advice is welcome before continually giving it to a person. In addition—whether new or more experienced–players do not appreciate being told “it was your fault” we lost the point or match. Be magnanimous, keeping in mind it could be you who loses the next point or match.

11.  Serving and returning balls.

Always take responsibility for the balls that are on your side of the court. If you are the one who is on the receiving end, always make sure that you return the ball to the one who is serving. Never wait for the server to come and retrieve it.

If a tennis ball accidentally lands in some else’s court, you do not just rush to go take it. You need to wait for the proper time to retrieve it. This means you need to make sure the other players are not playing. Once you see that they finished their point you can go and get it back.

12. Bring a can of balls with you, along with a towel and bottle of water.

Always carry a can of new or slightly used balls with you. Don’t expect the person you often play with to always provide the balls.

Some clubs may have towels and water for you, but it is better to be prepared. If you get often get hungry or need a snack for health reasons between sets, be sure to take something light like a banana or snack bar–nothing that is messy or will leave crumbs on the court. Obviously though, it would be better if you ate before the match and could wait until it is over to eat something away from the court. 

13. Offer to pay the guest fee.

If you are invited to play at a club where you are not a member, offer to pay the guest fee. If your offer is not accepted, you can reciprocate by inviting the person to play at your club on another day. Or perhaps you can treat your host to lunch or dinner. Whatever the case, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note the day after you play.

14. Dress appropriately and be well groomed.

Follow the dress code of the club where you will be playing and be well groomed if you want to make a good impression. In addition, doing so shows respect for the club and the people with whom you will be playing.

If you are not familiar with the dress code, ask your host or call the club directly. Some, but not many clubs and tournaments, still request “all white.” And, of course, it is also important that you wear the right trainers for the type of court on which you will be playing.

15. Do not allow small children or pets near the tennis courts.

Not only is it distracting to the players, but it is dangerous to have small children or pets on or near the tennis courts when games are being played.

16. Be a good sport: shake hands at the end of the match.

Most young people are taught from an early age to always shake hands with their opponents at the end of a sports game. Whether you win or lose, graciously give your opponents a firm handshake and a smile, along with a complimentary comment, such as “well played” when the match is over.

 

 

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

February 2023