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Top five moments of sportsmanship in Tennis

In the heat of competition, Tennis players often exhibit both their athletic ability and the virtue of sportsmanship. Moments where players show respect, humility, and kindness elevate the sport beyond competition, creating lasting memories that transcend generations.

Here are five of the most iconic displays of sportsmanship in Tennis, spanning different eras:

5. Pete Sampras and Alex Corretja – 1996 US Open Quarterfinal

Pete Sampras and Alex Corretja – 1996 US Open Quarterfinal
Pete Sampras (Credits - US Open)

In one of the most well-known incidents, Pete Sampras was dehydrated when he faced Alex Corretja in the quarterfinals of the 1996 US Open. Sampras puked on the court during the fifth-set tiebreaker at a score of 1-1, but Corretja never attempted to take advantage of his opponent's illness. Rather, he waited calmly while Sampras recovered. In the final set, Sampras prevailed 7–6 despite his physical challenges. The match is regarded as a monument to respect for one another in tennis because of Corretja's poise in the face of adversity and his great regard for his opponent's battle.

4. Andy Roddick’s Ultimate Honesty – Rome Masters, 2005

Andy Roddick’s Ultimate Honesty – Rome Masters, 2005
Andy Roddick (Credits - Tennis Majors)

In a sport where a single point can decide a match, integrity is rare when things get tough. However, Andy Roddick proved in the 2005 Rome Masters that honor mattered more than winning. Roddick was playing against Fernando Verdasco in the third round. Roddick could have taken the victory since he had match point and Verdasco's second serve appeared to be out. In fact, he pointed to the mark on the clay and informed the umpire that the ball had nicked the line. This act of integrity cost him the point and eventually the match, but it earned Roddick the respect of fans and players alike. It served as a brilliant illustration of how honesty and fair play are the real characteristics of a champion.

3. Rafael Nadal Consoles a Weeping Roger Federer – Australian Open, 2009

Rafael Nadal Consoles a Weeping Roger Federer – Australian Open, 2009
Rafael Nadal(Left) Roger Federer(Right) (Credits - Tennis World)

The 2009 Australian Open final was a rollercoaster of emotions. Rafael Nadal won the title by defeating Roger Federer in a thrilling five-set match. The Swiss maestro, who had been vying for a record-tying 14th Grand Slam, broke into tears as he attempted to give his runner-up speech. In one of the most heartwarming moments in tennis history, Nadal, who had just won one of his greatest career victories, approached Federer, put his arm around him, and whispered consoling words. Despite their intense rivalry, this moment demonstrated Nadal's admiration for Federer and the humanity of these two great athletes.

2. Rohan Bopanna Calls a Point Against Himself – 2023 US Open Doubles Final

Rohan Bopanna Calls a Point Against Himself – 2023 US Open Doubles Final
Rohan Bopanna(Left) Matthew Ebden(Right) (Credits - ATP Tour)

During the 2023 US Open doubles final, Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna, alongside his partner Matthew Ebden, exhibited a rare act of honesty. In the middle of a crucial point, Bopanna made a call against himself, even though the umpire missed Ebden's shot, Bopanna acknowledged that it had grazed his elbow. Despite their defeat in the championship game, his moral character won him admiration from both teammates and spectators, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's most esteemed athletes.

1. Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka – 2024 China Open

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka – 2024 China Open
Credits - Sky Sports

After Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from the 2024 China Open due to a lower-back injury, Coco Gauff made it to her second consecutive China Open quarterfinal. Osaka had won the first set 6-3 and was leading in the second before Gauff rallied to take it 6-4. When Osaka retired, Gauff displayed true sportsmanship by walking over and insisting on carrying Osaka’s bag off the court. This gesture reflected Gauff’s humility and empathy, proving that even in intense competition, human decency always comes first.

Even though tennis is an individual sport, the respect and friendship amongst players builds a stronger, more lasting legacy. These instances of sportsmanship serve as a reminder of this. The real essence of the sport is shown in these occasions, not just in the titles won. 

Cover Credits - Sky Sports

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