Last Wednesday, I noted that earlier versions of Principle 1 within The Code contain more detail than the current simple declaration “Courtesy is expected.” For example, the 2001 version of that tennis behavioral standard continues with the sentence“Make tennis a fun game by praising your opponents’ good shots.” Even though the wording no longer appears in the current edition, it remains one of the clearest ways to embody courtesy on the court.
Acknowledging an opponent’s great play is not just polite. It is also an integral part of tennis culture. A straightforward “nice shot” is the most common phrase, but players have countless ways to express the same sentiment. Some will say “too good” when a ball zips past them. Others lean into humor with comments like, “Did somebody catch the license plate?” as though the ball were a car speeding away. However it’s phrased, the effect is the same. Recognizing that your opponent did something exceptional is a part of courtesy in tennis, even when it comes at your competitive expense.
For those who prefer to let actions speak louder than words, there are also subtle gestures that serve the same purpose. Clapping the strings of your racquet with your palm is a quiet but unmistakable sign of appreciation. A quick nod of acknowledgment, or sometimes even a look of awe, communicates respect just as effectively. These responses don’t interrupt the flow of the match but still affirm your opponent’s skill.
Praising an opponent’s shots strikes an interesting contrast with another long-standing courtesy in tennis. Raising a hand in apology after benefiting from luck, such as when a net cord trickles over or a shank drops in as a winner, is also expected. In fact, the lack of those gestures has created recent drama in the professional ranks. While apologetic motions acknowledge chance, expressions of praise celebrate excellence. Together, these small rituals maintain fairness and respect, reminding us that tennis is not only a test of competition but also a shared experience between players.
While The Code may no longer spell out the need to praise your opponent’s good shots, the spirit of that advice remains timeless. Offering a “nice shot,” a “too good,” or a nod across the net keeps the game grounded in mutual respect. Courtesy may be expected, but it’s the little acts of recognition that make it real.
What is your favorite way of acknowledging your opponent’s great shots?
- Friend at Court: The Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2025
- Friend at Court: The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2001. (Hardcopy.)
In my social tennis (female) groups, the sign of a truly great shot is saying to your opponent “you b$%^h”. It’s the ultimate compliment.