Tennis is a sport filled with passion, intensity, and fierce competition, where players often wear their emotions on their sleeves.
It’s not uncommon for even the best in the game to have moments of frustration where they lose their cool. The sight of a racket being smashed on the court is something that fans have witnessed from legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. These outbursts, while understandable given the high stakes, have become a common spectacle in the heat of competition.
However, there is a select group of tennis stars who have taken a different approach, choosing to maintain their composure even in the most challenging situations. These players not only avoid breaking rackets but have also spoken out against the practice, emphasizing the importance of self-control and respect for the sport.
Here is a closer look at three tennis players who have never broken a racket during a match and have voiced their concerns about this destructive habit.
1. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is known for his incredible mental fortitude and discipline on the court. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over two decades, the Spaniard has never broken a racket—a testament to his self-control and respect for the game.
Nadal’s composure, even in the face of intense pressure, sets him apart from many of his peers. Despite experiencing numerous highs and lows, including career-threatening injuries and heartbreaking defeats, Nadal has always maintained his cool. His ability to channel frustration into focused determination is one of the reasons he has achieved such remarkable success, including 22 Grand Slam titles.
In 2020, Nadal addressed his stance on racket smashing during an interview with Hola. He explained that he had never seen the benefit of breaking a racket, stating that it wouldn’t help him win the match or change the outcome. Instead, he believes that staying calm and composed is crucial to performing well.
Nadal’s uncle and longtime coach, Toni Nadal, also played a significant role in instilling this discipline in him. From a young age, Toni made it clear to Nadal that breaking a racket would be unacceptable. He famously told his nephew that if he ever broke a racket, he would stop coaching him. This early lesson stuck with Nadal throughout his career, shaping his approach to handling frustration and adversity on the court.
“My family wouldn’t have allowed me to break a racket. For me, to break a racket it would be to lose control of my emotions.”
“You throw one racket and I’m no longer your coach. There are millions of kids in the world who would love a racket and don’t have one. Nadal has never broken a racket.”
2. Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud, a rising star in the tennis world and a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, has also committed to never breaking a racket. The Norwegian player, who has rapidly climbed the rankings to become one of the top contenders in the sport, looks up to Nadal not only for his success but also for his sportsmanship and discipline.
Ruud has made it clear that he aspires to follow in Nadal’s footsteps, both in terms of achievements and conduct on the court. In an interview with First Sportz, Ruud expressed his desire to go his entire career without breaking a racket, just like his idol Nadal. So far, Ruud has managed to keep this promise, displaying remarkable composure even in the most intense matches.
The 25-year-old’s calm demeanor and focus have contributed to his growing popularity in the tennis world. As he continues to develop his game and rise through the ranks, Ruud’s commitment to maintaining his composure is likely to inspire the next generation of players to approach the sport with the same level of respect and self-control.
“I will try to go my full career without breaking a racket. I can only name one player of the top 10 who has done that, and it’s Nadal. (Roger) Federer also has been exceptional, except one time in Miami when he broke his racket.”
3. Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova, one of the most iconic figures in women’s tennis, also belongs to the exclusive club of players who have never broken a racket during a match. The Russian star, who burst onto the scene with a stunning Wimbledon title win at the age of 17, went on to complete a Career Grand Slam, solidifying her place among the all-time greats.
Sharapova’s career was marked by her fierce competitiveness, but she always maintained a level of grace and poise on the court. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and a controversial suspension, Sharapova never resorted to breaking a racket as a way to vent her frustration.
After retiring from professional tennis in 2020, Sharapova confirmed that she had never broken a racket during a match, responding to a fan on Twitter. While she admitted to breaking a few rackets during practice sessions, she emphasized that she always kept her composure during official matches. This self-control is part of what made her a beloved figure in the sport, respected not just for her talent but also for her professionalism.
Sharapova’s approach to handling frustration was shaped by her upbringing and the values instilled in her from a young age. She understood that breaking a racket would not only be a sign of weakness but also a lack of respect for the sport that had given her so much. By maintaining her composure, she set a powerful example for young players around the world.
The Impact of Composure in Tennis
In a sport where emotions run high, the ability to stay calm and composed can often be the difference between winning and losing. Players like Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud, and Maria Sharapova have shown that it’s possible to achieve greatness without losing control, even in the most trying moments.
Their stance against racket smashing is not just about maintaining a clean image; it’s about setting an example for future generations of tennis players. In an era where sportsmanship is sometimes overshadowed by moments of frustration, these players remind us of the importance of discipline, respect, and composure on the court.
As tennis continues to evolve, the lessons imparted by these athletes will remain relevant. Their commitment to self-control serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness in sport comes not only from physical skill but also from mental strength and character.
