US Open 2025: New York energy sparks tennis etiquette debate
From net cord apologies to underarm serves and body shots, the US Open reignites discussions on sportsmanship amid the electric atmosphere of Flushing Meadows.
US Open 2025
Venue: Flushing Meadows, NY | Dates: Aug 24–Sep 7
Coverage: Live radio on 5 Live Sport and INLIBER Sounds; live text on INLIBER Sport website and app
The energy of New York City has fuelled a lively debate over tennis etiquette at this year’s US Open. From polite net cord apologies to contentious underarm serves and body shots, players and fans are questioning traditional courtesies.
Net cords: courteous or meaningless apology?
A net-cord winner occurs when a shot clips the tape and falls out of reach. Traditionally, the benefitting player raises a hand in apology. But when Taylor Townsend didn’t acknowledge her net cord win against Jelena Ostapenko, the Latvian champion took offence. Former world No.6 Chanda Rubin noted that in the US tour, such “faux-pologies” are common and not viewed as major breaches of etiquette.
Underarm serves: clever or disrespectful?
Players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik use underarm serves to catch opponents off guard. Critics label the tactic unsportsmanlike, especially against injured players. Stefanos Tsitsipas famously clashed with Daniel Altmaier after an underarm serve. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium even jeered Bublik and Arthur Rinderknech’s failed attempts against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz respectively.
Body shots: risky tactic or fair play?
Hitting a ball at an opponent moving to the net often sparks debate. Tsitsipas defended targeting Daniel Altmaier’s body, arguing that if you serve underarm, you shouldn’t be surprised. Many, including Cameron Norrie, believe body shots are a legitimate play as long as you apologise and move on.
At New York’s US Open, questions over net cord apologies, underarm serves and body shots highlight evolving expectations in tennis etiquette.
This article was reported by BBC Sport
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