The Drama of New York’s Concrete Jungle

From blaring taxi horns to the neon glow of Times Square, New York’s relentless energy has seeped into the 2025 US Open, fueling heated debates over tennis etiquette. Players and fans alike are grappling with the sport’s unwritten rules in an era of bold tactics and raw competitiveness.

Net Cord Chaos: Courtesy or Empty Gestures?

"It’s a faux-pology – not real anyway."
– Chanda Rubin, Former World No. 6

Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko ignited controversy after accusing Taylor Townsend of violating an age-old tradition: apologizing for net cord winners. While American players like Jenson Brooksby argue luck-based points don’t require remorse, veterans like Cameron Norrie take a pragmatic view:

"Acknowledge it? Sure. But if they don’t, who cares? We’re here to win," the Brit told BBC Sport.

Underarm Serves: Clever Innovation or Cheap Trick?

Stefanos Tsitsipas confronts Daniel Altmaier after controversial underarm serves

The tactic dividing tennis: Alexander Bublik and Nick Kyrgios weaponize underarm serves against deep-returning opponents, while traditionalists cry foul. Tsitsipas’ fiery exchange with Altmaier highlighted the rift:

"Next time, don’t wonder why I hit you," Tsitsipas warned post-match, referencing his retaliatory body shots.

Body Shots: Strategic Play or Dangerous Games?

When Ben Shelton drilled Andrea Vavassori at Monte Carlo, he branded the Italian "soft." Cameron Norrie defends the tactic:

"Going middle’s smart – apologize and move on. We’re not playing rugby!"

Yet Stefanos Tsitsipas’ body-shot revenge against Altmaier proves these moments linger, blurring lines between strategy and spite.

The Fan Factor: Boos, Cheers, and Unfiltered Passion

Arthur Ashe Stadium turned judge-and-jury during Bublik’s failed underarm attempts against Sinner, while Rinderknech’s botched trick serve drew jeers. As fourth seed Jessica Pegula notes:

"NY crowds amplify everything – it’s your last Grand Slam shot. Pressure cooks drama."

Where Should Tennis Draw the Line?

With $4.3M prize money at stake, players increasingly prioritize results over rituals. As unwritten rules face modern scrutiny, one question remains: Does evolving etiquette threaten tennis’ soul, or simply reflect its competitive evolution?