For those old enough to remember watching tennis in the 1980s and 1990s, it was a rare occurrence to see a player smash a racquet during or after a match. In the modern era, it is almost a daily occurrence.
The racquet has become the vehicle to let out frustrations and anger on the court. Of course, the hardcourts produce the best racquet smashing results, denting the frame with just one vigorous smash on the ground.
However, one smash of the racquet is not enough. Most players are repeatedly beating it into the ground. Why does this happen more so now then in previous eras?
Racquet smashing has seemingly become acceptable decorum on the tennis court
Tennis players have always been fiery and emotional, some more than others. Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe are two players who were known to let their happiness and frustrations show on the court. In McEnroe's case, his ire was usually directed at the chair umpire.
In those days, equipment was not as sophisticated or plentiful. Players did not walk on the court with bags of racquets or have the ability to get more racquets or restrung racquets at warp speed during a match.
Practically speaking, smashing a wooden racquet could have been messier, less satisfying, and costly to the player because of the cost to replace the equipment (in the era before lucrative racquet contracts) or a fine or more stringent punishment levied by a less tolerant chair umpire.
Top men and women players are guilty of racquet smashing
Aryna Sabalenka has taken her frustrations out on her racquet upon occasion, most notably after losing to Madison Keys at the 2025 Australian Open. The ESPN camera did not show it as they were focused on Keys' emotional reaction, but photographers got pictures of it.
In Tuesday's Miami Open third-round match, both Arthur Fils and Frances Tiafoe smashed their racquets at different times during their intense, grueling, and physical match, which Fils won in three sets.
Arthur Fils absolutely destroys his racket after losing second set 5-7 to Francis Tiafoe.
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) March 24, 2025
He had 2 match points on return at 5-4.
Received a violation warning from umpire.pic.twitter.com/cImTt7uJp9
Now it’s Francis Tiafoe who smashes his racket against Arthur Fils.
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) March 24, 2025
Receives a point penalty as he was already warned earlier.
Tiafoe was up 2-1 on serve, now 2-5 down.
Fils currently cramping.
pic.twitter.com/uRmOv9hq8W
The high stakes of competitive sports understandably elicit big emotions. ABC's legendary broadcaster Jim McKay famously described those emotions as "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Equipment destruction is not a great way to deal with the agony of defeat. It is also not a good look for the sport when young children watch their favorite stars and learn by example..