Players who never applaud their opponents

[Duncan Donuts]

Most players will racket applaud their opponents for hitting a great shot or showing tremendous effort in chasing down a ball. Just about every player on tour does this at least semi-regularly. Some do it all the time (S. Williams, Djokovic and Nadal). Others very rarely (Federer and Sharapova).

However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once. Though I haven't checked charity matches.

Who else past or present doesn't racket applaud??

 

[newpball]

However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once.

Aww, really?
What a bad guy he is....
He should be punished by the ATP for not doing his nicety-nices!

But seriously who cares?
Matches are about making the points, having a winner and a loser!

Oh, sorry, can I say that loser,? We are all winners really, loser is so bad!
Bad, bad, newpball, to a reeducation camp with you!

 

[MasturB]

Fed does it more than you think.

He did it a few times in Haas-Stuttggart match. One most notably was a break point or game point in S4 against Nadal in Melbourne. Rafa hit CC slice forehand for winner.

 

[Waspsting]

Bjorn Borg never applauded his opponent.

He explained why too. He said that it was his way of conveying (paraphrased), "to beat me, you have to that amazing thing you just did 100 times"... it was part of the intimidating, how-the-hell-can-you-beat-this-guy aura he projected

Then again, there are a lot of things Borg never did.

Smile. Frown. Laugh. Snarl ... (go through the entire range of human emotions that can be conveyed via facial expression)

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

 

[MasturB]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

It's just as fake as his lip suck in head nod he does for the post-match handshake at the net.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

It's just as fake as his lip suck in head nod he does for the post-match handshake at the net.

Djokovic just a very mercurial man in general to me. His post match speeches were always very articulate and gracious, while the on the court product definitely had a biting edge to it. You can say that about a lot of people though, to be fair.

Understandably so I guess being in the shadow of Roger and Rafa starting out.

The applauding the opponent I could never tell if he was just being smug or what lol.

 

[Fiero425]

Bjorn Borg never applauded his opponent.

He explained why too. He said that it was his way of conveying (paraphrased), "to beat me, you have to that amazing thing you just did 100 times"... it was part of the intimidating, how-the-hell-can-you-beat-this-guy aura he projected

Then again, there are a lot of things Borg never did.

Smile. Frown. Laugh. Snarl ... (go through the entire range of human emotions that can be conveyed via facial expression)

I wouldn't say never with Borg! Same with Murray; every blue moon he might clap a winner! His problem is his training has put him in a mindset, "there's no shot" he shouldn't be able to run down and maybe hit his own winner! With Borg, it was more to do with his extreme concentration that reportedly he had to lay down in a dark room and air out his brain! With Murray, it's more a state of arrogance I haven't cared for him since '08 coming back in that 5 set Wimbledon match against Gansquet!

 

[Zoolander]

You can be gracious on court without clapping the guy whos kicking your ass.....

I say "nice shot" when my buddies hit a winner, but im not giving the bastards a round of applause in a million years!

 

[The Green Mile]

Andy is more vocal when he acknowledges his opponents shots, than say applauding them or the racquet tap. It's usually something like a quick "yep" or whatever...

 

[Druss]

Bjorn Borg never applauded his opponent.

He explained why too. He said that it was his way of conveying (paraphrased), "to beat me, you have to that amazing thing you just did 100 times"... it was part of the intimidating, how-the-hell-can-you-beat-this-guy aura he projected

Then again, there are a lot of things Borg never did.

Smile. Frown. Laugh. Snarl ... (go through the entire range of human emotions that can be conveyed via facial expression)

Hence why he was also known as 'Iceman'.

 

[Tennisgods]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

This. It's actually pretty transparent that that's what it is.

 

[EdSWright]

This. It's actually pretty transparent that that's what it is.

Hewitt used to applaud too in the same manner.

 

[junior74]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

I think he is good at applauding when he is up. If not, he sarcastically smiles when the opponent paints the line.


But he always seem genuinely warm-hearted at the net. If it's a fake, it's a damn good fake

 

[Djokovic2011]

It's just as fake as his lip suck in head nod he does for the post-match handshake at the net.

Haha. Be honest, you'd hate him whatever he did on court and it has nothing to do with his mannerisms and everything to do with him constantly denying your hero in recent years. I suspect if he found a cure for cancer you'd still find some way of faulting him - he's really damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

 

[Rebel-I.N.S]

Do not question the magnanimous one.

 

[Bender]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

I can see why you would think that.

This always came across as an attempt to compliment his opponent when he was furious or just in the zone.

Can't say he's doing it sarcastically (at least for sure), but we've seen him genuinely smile out of disbelief when his opponent hits a great shot. There was a lot of the latter in Eastbourne just this week IIRC.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

Since he applauds often, I highly doubt he thinks of his opponents' shots as flukes.

 

[Shaolin]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

I'm not a fan of Novak but I honestly don't think its sarcastic. Looks like he means it to me…he's also really gracious in defeat.

 

[Zebrev]

Sometimes applauding your opponent can come off as patronizing. It can also be a way of winning favour with the audience, a form of gamesmanship if you will.

 

[Get A Grip]

Most players will racket applaud their opponents for hitting a great shot or showing tremendous effort in chasing down a ball. Just about every player on tour does this at least semi-regularly. Some do it all the time (S. Williams, Djokovic and Nadal). Others very rarely (Federer and Sharapova).

However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once. Though I haven't checked charity matches.

Who else past or present doesn't racket applaud??

Interesting observation! I also find it interesting that Serena, Rafa and Djok are similar in one way; and that fed and Shara are similar in another. I won't say what that way is ... though some might call the former "warm" and the latter "cold". But I won't say what way.

Re Murray, that strikes me as accurate--but to be fair I also notice Andy is quicker to concede a point to his opponent than any other player I'm aware of.
I experience Murray as a bad mood on a tennis court, yet a very good sportsman. It's complicated!

 

[Fedinkum]

I don't think I have ever seen Ivan Lendl applauded his opponents when he was playing...even less so as a coach...definitely no applaud to his own coaching player lol

 

[bigserving]

I don't pay to see players applaud their opponents.

Players play, fans applaud.

 

[RF-18]

Most players will racket applaud their opponents for hitting a great shot or showing tremendous effort in chasing down a ball. Just about every player on tour does this at least semi-regularly. Some do it all the time (S. Williams, Djokovic and Nadal). Others very rarely (Federer and Sharapova).

However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once. Though I haven't checked charity matches.

Who else past or present doesn't racket applaud??

I've never seen Nadal applaud his opponent. When does he do it regularly? even semi-regularly?

Federer also very rare.

But it's not a big thing anyway.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I can see why you would think that.

This always came across as an attempt to compliment his opponent when he was furious or just in the zone.

Can't say he's doing it sarcastically (at least for sure), but we've seen him genuinely smile out of disbelief when his opponent hits a great shot. There was a lot of the latter in Eastbourne just this week IIRC.

Great point.

Since he applauds often, I highly doubt he thinks of his opponents' shots as flukes.

Well that's actually the thing, the fact it happened so often I couldn't tell if he was just being sarcastic or what.

I'm not a fan of Novak but I honestly don't think its sarcastic. Looks like he means it to me…he's also really gracious in defeat.

Even if it was sarcastic I really don't mind it either way. Nick Kyrgios has made pretty much anything you do tame in comparison.

Sometimes applauding your opponent can come off as patronizing. It can also be a way of winning favour with the audience, a form of gamesmanship if you will.

This is sort of how I view it as well.

 

[TennisATP]

I was excited to find and post this, but then I read the caption... Lol


Britains Andy Murray sarcastically applauds himself after losing a point in his French Open first-round match with Andrey Kuznetsov

 

[reaper]

Tankers often love the applause on the racket. Tomic and Kyrgios love to heap praise on their opponent as they blissfully watch the ball sail by.

 

[Incognito]

Fed does it more than you think.

He did it a few times in Haas-Stuttggart match. One most notably was a break point or game point in S4 against Nadal in Melbourne. Rafa hit CC slice forehand for winner.

Fed only applauds players he likes, like Haas and Nadal.

 

[Incognito]

I've never seen Nadal applaud his opponent. When does he do it regularly? even semi-regularly?

Federer also very rare.

But it's not a big thing anyway.

Nadal applauded Djokovic drop-volley at the FO 2013. Can't remember if it was 4th or 5th set.

You should pay more attention to point constructions, not just your favorite male tennis idol's crotch during matches.


Many times Nadal doesn't applaud but he compliments opponents by saying "buena" after a good shot.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

 

[BeatlesFan]

Why not mention two players who disingenuously applauded their opponents shots endlessly? Agassi from 1987-1991 (until Gil told him to knock it off) and Djoker? And in fairness, Djoker was never as obnoxious about it as Andre.

 

[Tennisanity]

Some do it all the time (S. Williams, Djokovic and Nadal).

LOL, Nadal is hardly in the all the time category. Djokovic yes, but Nadal definitely not.

 

[TahoeTennis]

Andy did applaud in the Olympics in london 2012

 

[RF-18]

Nadal applauded Djokovic drop-volley at the FO 2013. Can't remember if it was 4th or 5th set.

You should pay more attention to point constructions, not just your favorite male tennis idol's crotch during matches.


Many times Nadal doesn't applaud but he compliments opponents by saying "buena" after a good shot.

Yes once in 5 years he applauds.

I atleast never see him applaud anything. It's not something he likes to do.

 

[Get A Grip]

I don't think I have ever seen Ivan Lendl applaud his opponents when he was playing...even less so as a coach...definitely no applaud to his own coaching player lol

Lendl looks like the grim reaper sitting in Andy's box, like death warmed over

 

[Russeljones]

Most players will racket applaud their opponents for hitting a great shot or showing tremendous effort in chasing down a ball. Just about every player on tour does this at least semi-regularly. Some do it all the time (S. Williams, Djokovic and Nadal). Others very rarely (Federer and Sharapova).

However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once. Though I haven't checked charity matches.

Who else past or present doesn't racket applaud??

He doesn't need to applaud. It's a silly habit.

 

[NoleFam]

If I was a pro player, I wouldn't applaud. If the opponent hit a winner on me, I would tell them to go **** themselves. I'm just kidding, sort of.

 

[jm1980]

Fed only applauds players he likes, like Haas and Nadal.

... and Djokovic? (point at 4:18)

 

[TennisATP]

... and Djokovic? (point at 4:18)

It looks more like he was scratching his arm. Lol

 

[MajesticMoose]

There should be a point penalty to the player for sarcastic applauding.

 

[Roddick85]

M
However I have NEVER seen Andy Murray racket applaud his opponent. Not once. Though I haven't checked charity matches.

I'm pretty sure he applauded Fed before, at AO 2013 and W 2015.

 

[aman92]

Frankly don't see Federer do it a lot...Djokovic and Nadal do it regularly

 

[Pre980]

Lendl looks like the grim reaper sitting in Andy's box, like death warmed over

But only slightly warmed over; more of a "microwaved-for-30-seconds-on-the-Defrost-setting."

 

[Gazelle]

Reason why Murray never applauds is because he believes players should never be able to hit winners against him. When that happens, he blames himself for not running down the ball, instead of applauding the opponent. Or he grabs his hip.

Edit: Mainad was not supposed to like this comment.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Reason why Murray never applauds is because he believes players should never be able to hit winners against him. When that happens, he blames himself for not running down the ball, instead of applauding the opponent. Or he grabs his hip.

Hip/Calves/Ankles/Back/smashing himself with his frame

 

[Mainad]

Reason why Murray never applauds is because he believes players should never be able to hit winners against him. When that happens, he blames himself for not running down the ball, instead of applauding the opponent. Or he grabs his hip.

It's true that Murray tends to think he should be winning all the points and that if he doesn't, it must be his fault somehow. At least he does give that impression on occasion.

 

[icedevil0289]

I always felt Djokovic did it kind of sarcastically. Like wow look at this mug that just hit this flukey shot against me.

Only he would know if it's sarcastic or not, I guess.

i don't think novak is being sarcastic about it, but i always feel like he is a bit "extra" in a lot of things he does, idk if applauding his opponents necessarily qualifies as that or not. this is me playing armchair psychologist, but part of me feels like dude is still scarred from some of his experiences at USO 2008, and while that is only one slam, he seems to have to work extra hard to gain the appreciation of the masses, or atleast thats how his fans make it sound.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

i don't think novak is being sarcastic about it, but i always feel like he is a bit "extra" in a lot of things he does, idk if applauding his opponents necessarily qualifies as that or not. this is me playing armchair psychologist, but part of me feels like dude is still scarred from some of his experiences at USO 2008, and while that is only one slam, he seems to have to work extra hard to gain the appreciation of the masses, or atleast thats how his fans make it sound.

I agree, I think his biting style (or extra as you put it) is justified given he was an afterthought for so long.

I don't know if you follow american football but he reminds me of Aaron Rodgers in that regard.

 

[icedevil0289]

I agree, I think his biting style (or extra as you put it) is justified given he was an afterthought for so long.

I don't know if you follow american football but he reminds me of Aaron Rodgers in that regard.

no i do not follow football, though name sounds pretty familiar.

yeah, i suppose. i mean, fed is fed, and as others mentioned nadal was pretty marketable as a foil to fed, and then you had djokovic trying to break through plus idk if his family helped but i suppose another story. i dont agree with his fans who often make it seem like the world is out to get djokovic, but at times i cant help but feel bad at how much he tries. idk it could be that is genuinely his personality, but like the most recent celebrations....idek. will never forget USO 2009 between him and fed, and dude was like kind OTT to the point where I was like is he playing an exhibition in terms of trying to appease the audiences. lmao this kind of went on a tangent, whelp.

 

[MasturB]

Fed only applauds players he likes, like Haas and Nadal.

He's done it for Nole too. o__o

I remember him doing it one time in the 2015 Wimby Final. Again he's no James Blake and gonna say nice shot or yep everytime you hit a passing winner against him but he's no slouch either.