US Open 2025: Etiquette Debates Spark Amid NYC Energy

US Open 2025: Electric NYC Energy Sparks Tennis Etiquette Debate

The unmistakable energy of New York City has made the 2025 US Open more intense than ever—both on and off the court. With the roars of Arthur Ashe Stadium echoing the city’s restless pace, a series of etiquette incidents has taken center stage, sparking renewed debate over what counts as sportsmanship in modern tennis.

“New York Brings Drama” – Pegula Weighs In

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula captured the essence of this year’s atmosphere:

“New York tends to bring out a lot of drama. The crowds are pretty crazy. They kind of get everyone riled up.”

With this being the final Grand Slam of the year, tensions are naturally high—and that pressure is manifesting in emotional moments and clashes of perspective on etiquette.

Net Cord Drama: Courtesy or Empty Gesture?

The etiquette of acknowledging net-cord winners—a shot that tips off the net and still lands in—has drawn ire.

Jelena Ostapenko recently accused Taylor Townsend of not apologizing for a lucky net-cord, reigniting the long-standing debate.

While many players traditionally raise a hand in apology, former world no. 6 Chanda Rubin dismissed the idea of obligatory remorse:

“We actually call it a faux-pology, because it’s not real anyway.”

Others, like Cameron Norrie, agree:

“Even just acknowledging a little bit is the right etiquette, but if a guy hits a dead net cord and doesn’t say anything—I don’t care at all.”

Underarm Serves: Smart Tactic or Disrespectful?

Ostapenko accused Townsend of breaking a “rule” by not apologising for a net cord – although it is only an unwritten one

The underarm serve continues to divide opinion. Players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik use it tactically against opponents who stand deep on return. But not everyone sees it as fair play.

Stefanos Tsitsipas bristled when Daniel Altmaier employed the tactic against him, resulting in a frosty post-match exchange.

Some fans agreed—booing Bublik and Arthur Rinderknech when they attempted underarm serves in lopsided losses.

Still, world No.1 Jannik Sinner defended experimentation:

“We try to make the sport as interesting as possible.”

Body Shots: Tactical Move or Unsportsmanlike Conduct?

Hitting an opponent at the net—known as a “body shot”—also stirred controversy. Tsitsipas defended his choice to aim at Altmaier as a response to the latter’s underarm serve.

“I hit you because of the underarm,” he told Altmaier at the net.

This tactic has caused multiple flare-ups, such as Ben Shelton hitting Andrea Vavassori in the ribs earlier this year and calling the reaction “soft.”

Norrie, again pragmatic, said:

“Obviously you apologize, but I think that’s a perfectly good play—it’s usually the best option to go middle.”

A Clash of Cultures and Competition

The etiquette debate unfolding at Flushing Meadows is not just about unwritten tennis rules—it reflects cultural differences, shifting norms, and rising pressure at the year’s final Slam.

In the city that never sleeps, where ambition meets aggression, players are learning to navigate both the rules of the game and the expectations of an evolving fanbase.