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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Howard Fendrich

The unwritten rules of tennis and why postmatch handshakes sometimes go awry at the US Open

US Open Tennis - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

There’s been a lot of talk about the unwritten rules of tennis during Week 1 of this U.S. Open, whether it's the necessity of a “ sorry, not sorry ” raised hand after a let cord or the proper way to warm up with an opponent or the legitimacy of an underarm serve.

Another part of the game drawing attention — thanks to players' complaints about each of the above — is the postmatch greeting at the net, which usually involves shaking hands and, sometimes, a hug or kisses on the cheek. It would seem to be a simple act of sportsmanship, but every so often ends up going awry.

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