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Picture a sports stadium filled with hungry fans and it automatically conjures up images of thousands of frantic enthusiasts cheering and chanting for their preferred team.
And then there's tennis — a game which upholds one of the most valued and respected sportsmanship codes in the history of sport throughout the world (both on and off the court).
Once a gentleman's game for dandies dressed in white, tennis has carved a niche for itself as a major sport through energetic matches and colourful players.
The basic essence of tennis is quite simple. But beside the rules of tennis there are also some important unwritten laws which come under the title of tennis etiquette. Tennis is a social game, a game involving simple politeness and consideration. Everyone, including spectators, will enjoy the game so much more if standards are maintained.
So, the game of tennis has its official rules, then it has The Code of Tennis — the unofficial rules of good tennis sportsmanship. Any serious player should take the time to read both.
Tennis is increasingly becoming a more popular sport. However, unlike other sports such as football, basketball, hockey and other spectator sports, tennis is by comparison a quieter game.
Off court
There are a few very simple principles to guide spectators in appropriate behaviour while watching a live tennis match.
This does not mean that tennis fans are not encouraged to cheer for their favourite players. It only means that spectators have to follow some unwritten etiquettes.
Chief of Umpires at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Hany Khafief, says people in the UAE are becoming more and more educated about spectator basics every year.
'Turning point'
He said: "I believe this year will be a turning point. The tickets are in such demand the stadium will be filled with people who genuinely want to watch the matches and respect the game and players."
By following some simple common sense principles, watching a tennis match will be more enjoyable to other spectators and to the players themselves.
Did you know?
- Prior to the commencement of the historic 1973 Battle of Sexes tennis match, the two players, Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King, exchanged pigs. Before being beaten by King in the above match, Riggs had actually defeated another Wimbledon champion Margaret Court.
- Monica Seles is a partner in the All Star Café, a sports restaurant chain, with Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods and Joe Montana.
- Pancho Gonzales was married six times, the last to tennis player Rita Agassi, sister of another great, Andre Agassi. Gonzales (aged 41 in 1969) beat fellow American Charlie Pasarell in 312 minutes in a Wimbledon singles match — the longest-ever top rank match.
On court
- If people are already on your court, don't disturb them until their time is up.
- Always come prepared. Bring not only balls, but towels and water to drink when it is hot.
- Wear trainers for tennis. Other shoes may wear out quickly, hurt your feet, or damage the court.
- When you're ready to play, put racket covers, ball cans, jackets etc, out of everyone's way.
- To see who serves first, spin your racket or toss a coin. If you win the toss, the choice is yours. You may serve first, or you may choose to receive first or to pick which end of the court you want to start playing on. As a third choice you may make your opponent choose first.
- When sending balls back to a neighbouring court, roll them on to the back of the court. Never send them back while play is in progress.
- Offer to bring new balls or organise a system to decide who brings the balls.
- Retrieve balls for your partner and your opponent.
- Don't criticise your partner, offer encouragement.
- Call your own lines and let your opponent hear the call. If the ball is good say nothing and play on.
- Always respect the line calls of your opponent.
- If there is a disagreement, offer a let. In other words, replay the point, even if it was a second service.
Off court
- Talk quietly when standing near tennis courts that are in use — but do not hold an irrelevant conversation right through a match.
- Never walk behind a court when a point is still in play. Wait until the point is over and then cross as fast as possible.
- Refrain from cheering during play or serves.
- Do not boo
- Do not mock player's "grunts"
- Turn off your mobile telephones
- Avoid moving about during play and do not stand or make any sudden movements.
- Just relax and enjoy the match!
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