NEW RULE: 1 game penalty if you smash your racket!

[Paullaconte1]

I understand that losing a big point is really frustrating, but Djokovic, Murray and the others shouldn't smash their rackets for some reasons.

1- They are super paid professionals.... they should get over their frustration;
2- They are a really important example for youngsters that may follow this terrible behavior;
3- It is a complete lack of respect for a "gentleman" sport that is having its success also because it does differentiate from some sports that are not really about fair-play (soccer).

I think they should introduce a very harsh penalty for smashing a racket (1 game?). The penalty is also very easy to implement as it would be enforced when the racket is broken!

That would work!

Here some famous "racket tantrum"
http://shanghai.tennistonic.com/video_detail/?p_id=405

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7kS68T6ptA

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2011-05-03/6893.php

[Towser83]

1 game penalty would be ridiculous and potentially ruin matches. I like seeing a racquet smash now and then.

[kishnabe]

Even if we all agree....it won't be accepted by ATP of ITF.

So pointless banter.....

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by TheF1Bob

Fed is the worse.

[TheF1Bob]

I rather Nole smash all the racquets in the world than use potty language to the umpires and the audience in attendance.

Novak TRUE gentleman, Fed just a bitter old man.

[jonnythan]

Fans enjoy a little emotion.

There is no upside to such a rule.

[librarysteg]

I just don't get the extreme dislike of the racket smash. The current system in place seems sufficient to me. If it were really getting out of hand all they need to do is enforce the current rules more consistently.

There has been racket smashing in tennis for ages. After not following tennis closely for 10+ years, I don't see it happening any more now than it was when I last paid close attention so I don't buy that it's getting out of hand just now.

Most people I know find tennis boring. Rather than being turned off if they caught a racket smash, I suspect most of them would make some kind of comment like, "now this is exciting!"

[Hood_Man]

Safin and Gonzo would have suffered many bagels.

[The Meat]

Pros should just throw their unwanted racquets into the crowd instead of destroying them, problem solved.

[BauerAlmeida]

The penalty is fine as it is now.

In a case like the Baghdatis one maybe a game would be all right. That was a bit too much.

[Prisoner of Birth]

Originally Posted by Paullaconte1

I understand that losing a big point is really frustrating, but Djokovic, Murray and the others shouldn't smash their rackets for some reasons.

1- They are super paid professionals.... they should get over their frustration;
2- They are a really important example for youngsters that may follow this terrible behavior;
3- It is a complete lack of respect for a "gentleman" sport that is having its success also because it does differentiate from some sports that are not really about fair-play (soccer).

I think they should introduce a very harsh penalty for smashing a racket (1 game?). The penalty is also very easy to implement as it would be enforced when the racket is broken!

That would work!

Here some famous "racket tantrum"
http://shanghai.tennistonic.com/video_detail/?p_id=405

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7kS68T6ptA

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2011-05-03/6893.php

As long as the court isn't damaged, let them fly I say. It's their racquets. They're not smashing them on people's heads.

[Vlad_C]

I would like to see a rule requiring a minimum of one racquet smash per match.

If executed properly, it can be highly entertaining.

[yemenmocha]

I'd like to see more racquet smashes, especially from WTA players. Not enough on their side.

[Ronaldo]

Originally Posted by yemenmocha

I'd like to see more racquet smashes, especially from WTA players. Not enough on their side.

Hire Serena as the designated Safinator during any WTA match. Bringing the heat.

[1972murat]

You break a racket, you play the next game with the broken racket...
On a serious note, I remember how long it took me to save for my first good one...I cringe every time I see a broken one.

[Ronaldo]

Originally Posted by 1972murat

You break a racket, you play the next game with the broken racket...
On a serious note, I remember how long it took me to save for my first good one...I cringe every time I see a broken one.

Never broke a racquet intentionally. Never forget breaking a Head Vilas after it slipped out of my grip on an overhead.

[Shaolin]

Worst idea ever

[Larrysümmers]

dont like the idea.

[sonicare]

Its their racket..they can smash 100 rackets for all i care.. i am there to watch the tennis..couldnt give a rats *** how many rackets they break..get over yourself OP..you sound like a self righteous bozo.

[Big_Dangerous]

How many games would Baghdatis have had to forfeit for this tirade then?

4?