Why do Tennis players apologize for hitting the net?
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Dominic Thiem apologizing for hitting a ball on the net-tape
Tennis matches have often witnessed the fallout of numerous points where the ball hits the net tape resulting in the disturbance of the ball’s natural course ultimately causing the opponent to lose the respective point.
Whether playing tennis on-court or spectating matches on TV, it is quite likely to be observed an incident as such and the question that arises is why players apologize after hitting the net.
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Why do players apologize on net balls?
Players usually apologize when the ball accidentally hits the net for the sole reason of showing respect toward their opponent. This apology rounds around the fact to show respect for the opponent that didn’t get a fair chance to return the shot. The apology is made by raising your hand or racquet and acknowledging a stroke of luck. Tennis has a tradition of great sportsmanship and conducting oneself as humble brings out the principles on which tennis is laid out.
There also comes the factor of fair play where when you get a lucky break due to a lucky net cord in tennis, it may deny your opponent a fair chance to return the ball. The apology offers the opponent acknowledgment and solace for not having a fair play opportunity.
Tennis is a gentlemen’s sport and apologizing for having a bunch of luck is part of being a gentleman. If you unintentionally hit a netball that is impossible to return, it’s a gentlemen’s move to say sorry for having a bunch of luck. The tradition has been that tennis celebrates good sportsmanship and by apologizing to your opponent for hitting a netball, you show your respect for the opponent.
It is never certain whether the player apologizing is sorry for the flinch of luck he came across. Often in friendly matches, players generally do feel bad because the result is not important, however, in competitive or professional matches it might not be the case since when the point is succeeded towards a player, there’s joy in knowing they’re moved past another point.
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Aarav Singh Gill
(150 Articles Published)