Is Grumpy Behavior Unsportsmanlike?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been unpacking Principle 1 of The Code, which is currently striking in its brevity but also foundational to sportsmanship in tennis. This entire exploration began by breaking down a much longer and more verbose version of this principle from the 2001 Friend at Court. As we near the end of our deep dive on the first item in The Code, it’s time to focus on two very human tendencies that were highlighted in the older version of the text. Specifically, conducting loud postmortems after points, and sulking when things aren’t going well.

Courtesy is expected. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy.

USTA Friend at Court 2025 , The Code, Principle 1

Courtesy. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy from all participants. Make tennis a fun game by praising your opponents’ good shots and by not:

• Conducting loud postmortems after points;
• Complaining about shots like lobs and drop shots;
• Embarrassing a weak opponent by being overly gracious or condescending;
• Losing your temper, using vile language, throwing a racquet, or slamming a ball in anger; or
• Sulking when you are losing.

USTA Friend at Court 2001 , The Code, Principle 1

I have to confess that I do both of these things. Hopefully not to the point of poor sportsmanship, but that’s ultimately for someone else to judge. Still, it’s worth acknowledging that tennis isn’t merely a test of skill. It’s a shared experience, and outside of rare ultra-competitive settings, if one person on the court isn’t having fun, it can quickly drain the joy for everyone involved. In this sense, courtesy isn’t just etiquette but also a form of respect for your opponent’s enjoyment of the game.

Postmortems of points or anything else I have done that can be improved are just part of who I am. I don’t think there are many people who enjoy breaking down the game more than I do. I love studying point composition, understanding how tactical decisions lead to pivotal moments, and figuring out what worked—and (particularly in the case of my own game) what didn’t. It’s a natural extension of how I think about the sport, but in the heat of competition, it sometimes spills out audibly. I play out loud.

When I miss a shot, I am prone to verbal self-critique. I often catch myself lamenting that I left a ball short, when the more appropriate response would be to credit my opponent for recognizing the opportunity and putting the ball away. I’ve also been caught complaining about my own poor shot selection or execution out loud. All of this comes from a place of good intention and a genuine desire to improve. Still, there’s a fine line between healthy self-reflection and creating an atmosphere that detracts from the match experience, both for myself and for those around me. A little frustration can be contagious, and not in a good way.

Then there’s the sulking. I sulk. A lot. The only thing I dislike more than losing is playing poorly, and that combination can pull me into a visible slump. It’s not petulance so much as disappointment, but I recognize that body language communicates just as much as words do. A slumped posture or long stare at the court sends a message that’s inconsistent with the spirit of competition that Principle 1 upholds.

This will be my personal point of emphasis for the 2026 season: to stay composed, keep perspective, and show respect for the game even when I’m frustrated with myself. Old habits die hard, and mine are deeply rooted in curiosity and passion for tennis. Still, awareness is the first step toward change. The ultimate goal isn’t perfection, but rather to preserve the joy that drew all of us to the game in the first place.

1. Friend at Court: The Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2025
2. Friend at Court: The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2001. (Hardcopy.)