US Open Tennis Etiquette
Editor’s note: Guest author Bobby Calise is a former US Open ball boy, lifelong tennis player and fan, and perennial US Open attendee. He is also a freelance writer.
Even as a tennis enthusiast, I’m the first to admit that the etiquette behind tennis is a little hoity-toity. But by following a few simple guidelines you’ll avoid getting the stink eye from your fellow spectators at the US Open.
- Whether you’re in the very last row of Ashe or 50 feet from the court, it’s customary to be silent when players are about to serve and during the point. However on occasion the longer points will elicit oohs and ahhs from the crowd, which is OK.
- It’s considered poor form to cheer for an unforced error, even if the error it helps the player you’re rooting for. You won’t get kicked out for doing this, but you may get a few dirty looks.
- In between points, feel free to yell out, “COME ON [first or last name of the player you’re supporting]!” Unoriginal exclamations like these are surprisingly common in professional tennis, so go nuts!
- Cell phone usage is frowned upon and sometimes even self-policed by the crowd. If you must have a phone conversation, start and finish it during the short changeovers.
More on the 2010 US Open:
- US Open Tennis a Hot Ticket in New York
- Best Value 2010 US Open Tickets
- US Open Special: Getting to the US Open
Find US Open Tickets here.
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