Tennis Etiquette: 2025 Australian Open Edition
If you have been part of The Elegance Education community for a while, you may have heard me mention elegant hobbies before—one of them being tennis. With its strong ties to etiquette and traditions, tennis is celebrated as a sport of refinement. In Melbourne, Australia, we are lucky enough to host one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, the Australian Open. So, as always, it’s only polite that we brush up on our etiquette to pay respect to the traditions of this cherished sport.
For my international readers: Tennis spectator etiquette is universally respected, with core principles like respect for players and mindfulness of others remaining consistent across tournaments worldwide. While traditions such as dress codes or cheering styles may differ slightly depending on the location, (Wimbledon, for example, is more formal), the essence largely remains the same.
Ladies, here's how to conduct yourself gracefully at a tennis event:
1. Dress for the Occasion
Tennis events are known for their stylish atmosphere. A smart casual dress code is an excellent choice. It strikes the right balance between comfort and refinement, ensuring you look polished without being overly formal. Opt for light, breathable fabrics, tailored dresses, chic blouses, skirts and shorts. Comfortable yet polished footwear is essential, as you may walk a lot. Lastly, the Australian summer can be intense, so prepare accordingly, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are good to consider.
2. Stay Seated During Play
Movement within the stadium should always be timed thoughtfully. To respect the concentration of the players and the experience of other spectators, it’s best to wait for a changeover before arriving or returning to your seat. These breaks, lasting either 30 seconds or 2 minutes depending on the stage of the match, are the ideal moments to move about. If you find yourself unable to return in time, simply waiting for the next changeover is a considerate choice that helps maintain the focus and flow of the game
3. Silence During Play
Now, ladies, this is an obvious one: silence during play. I’m sure you’ve noticed this as one of the most apparent signs of etiquette at a tennis match, and you’d be absolutely correct. Tennis players depend on a calm and focused atmosphere to perform at their best. At times, umpires may step in to quiet the crowd if the noise level rises, ensuring the players can maintain their concentration. So, keeping your conversation for after a game or set is essential.
4. Use Technology Discreetly
Before the match begins, ensure your phone is silenced and the flash is turned off. If taking photos, be mindful of holding your phone too high, as it may obstruct the view of spectators behind you. A little consideration goes a long way in maintaining the atmosphere.
5. Be Mindful of Food and Drinks
Enjoying refreshments during a match can be delightful, but as ladies, we must always remember our dining etiquette. If you're eating in your seat or on your lap, opt for foods that are easy to manage and less likely to cause a mess. Consider whether your napkins can handle the grease or spills, as cleaning your hands properly won’t be convenient. Avoid noisy packaging or disruptive eating habits, and ensure rubbish is disposed of responsibly. For a more relaxed dining experience, it may be wiser to wait until after the match to enjoy a meal at a proper table.
6. Show Good Sportsmanship
As spectators, we should cheer respectfully for a well-played point or an impressive shot. However, avoid cheering when a player wins a point due to their opponent's unforced errors, such as double faults, as this can be seen as poor taste. Wait until the point is clearly over before clapping or expressing your support—jumping the gun can be distracting and is considered disrespectful. While it’s natural to feel passionate about the game, heckling or taunting has no place in tennis!
The Australian Open provides a setting that perfectly complements elegant women. The game itself values etiquette, grace, and precision—qualities that align effortlessly with her own.
Insights from Nicole Condos: A Quick Chat on Elegance at Events
To bring this article to life, I connected with Melbourne-based sports and events enthusiast Nicole Condos from Material Girl PR to explore the intersection of elegance and experience at world-class occasions like the Australian Open.
Tennis is known for its tradition of etiquette. How do you think these rules add to the enjoyment of the game, both for players and spectators?
Nicole Condos: Tennis’ tradition of etiquette adds to the enjoyment of the game by fusing an atmosphere of respect, anticipation and class. For players, these rules create a professional environment that allows them to perform with concentration and poise, free from distractions. For spectators, the tradition enhances the experience by promoting quiet anticipation and appreciative applause, creating an exciting atmosphere that hallmarks the sport.
Can you share a moment at a tennis match where you noticed great etiquette, either from the players or the crowd?
Nicole Condos: One notable example of Roger Federer displaying great etiquette at the Australian Open occurred in the 2017 final against Rafael Nadal. After winning his first major title in five years, Federer showed his known sportsmanship by immediately congratulating Nadal, who had fought hard throughout the match. He acknowledged Nadal’s efforts, even though Federer was the one to win. His gesture not only demonstrated his humility but also highlighted the mutual respect between the two players. This display of grace in both victory and defeat exemplifies the high level of etiquette that Federer consistently upheld on and off the court, cementing a benchmark for all competitors.
Have you ever witnessed poor etiquette at a tennis match? If so, what happened, and how did it affect the atmosphere?
Nicole Condos: After Novak Djokovic won the 2021 Australian Open, some members of the crowd displayed poor etiquette by booing him. Djokovic faced significant challenges during the lead-up to the tournament, particularly due to his stance on vaccine mandates and his role in the country’s quarantine controversy. Despite his achievements on the court, the crowd’s reaction undermined the decorum typically expected at a grand slam final, highlighting how off-court issues can sometimes unfairly influence the respect shown to competitors on the court. While the controversy fuelled the atmosphere, the wave of mixed publicity to follow somewhat eclipsed Djokovic’s significant victory.
What would you say to an elegant woman attending their first tennis match to help them enjoy the experience?
Nicole Condos: Attending your first tennis match is an exciting experience! To make the most of it, remember to stay quiet during points and cheer only at the right moments, such as after a great rally or a winning shot. Dress comfortably—Melbourne Park is a spacious outdoor venue, and the summer temperatures can reach 30°C or higher. There are fun and Insta-worthy photo opportunities, so look and feel your best to create some fabulous photo memories! If you see a solo tennis fan queueing for a photo with a particular installation or photo wall, offer to take their photo on their phone and they can do the same for you. Keep your phone on silent to avoid disturbing others, especially in the arena. Most importantly, enjoy the matches and explore the retail and hospitality offerings throughout the complex.
Wishing you a delightful time courtside!
In elegance,
Monique
