Tennis Handshake Etiquette Sparks Debate at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2024 Australian Open has reignited discussions about post-match handshake etiquette in tennis, with players and fans dissecting the nuances of these brief yet symbolic interactions. The debate centers on whether competitors should exchange more than a perfunctory handshake after intense matches, especially when tensions run high.

Zheng Qinwen, the 22-year-old Chinese tennis star and last year’s finalist, has become a focal point of the conversation. Known for her competitive spirit, Zheng emphasizes the importance of basic respect but admits she doesn’t always smile during post-match handshakes. “No matter if I win or lose, I always shake hands,” Zheng said after her first-round victory against Anca Todoni. “But I don’t always shake hands with a smiling face. That’s just who I am.”

The topic gained traction after Danielle Collins, an American player, shared a screenshot of herself rolling her eyes during a handshake with Iga Swiatek at the United Cup. Collins later turned the moment into a lighthearted social media post, even making it her Instagram profile picture. The incident highlighted how these interactions can become fodder for public scrutiny and debate.

Zheng, currently ranked fifth in the world, has faced criticism for her straightforward approach to post-match etiquette. After defeating Emma Navarro at the 2024 Olympics, Navarro described Zheng as “relentless” in her competitive demeanor. Despite the criticism, Zheng remains unfazed, focusing on her performance at the Australian Open, where she aims to secure her first major title.

“I come here to play a match,” Zheng explained. “If I lose, I’ll give you basic respect, and that’s it. You won’t see me losing a match with a happy face toward my opponent.” Her pragmatic attitude reflects her hyper-competitive mindset, which has propelled her to the top ranks of women’s tennis.

As Zheng advances to the second round, she awaits the winner of the postponed match between Laura Siegemund and Hailey Baptiste. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about handshake etiquette continues, underscoring the fine line between sportsmanship and personal expression in professional tennis.