Is the underarm serve legal in tennis?
Yes, the underarm serve is perfectly legal according to the rules of tennis.
Sports / Tennis
Nuno Borges, a Portuguese tennis player ranked 52nd in the world, recently won a match at the ATP 500 in Barcelona using an unconventional underarm serve on match point. This move has ignited a mix of reactions, from boos from the crowd to...
The underarm serve is a legal but rarely used tactic in tennis, where the ball is hit from below the waist rather than the traditional overhand serve. Michael Chang famously used it in 1989 against Ivan Lendl at the French Open. Nuno Borges' recent employment of this tactic at a crucial match point has sparked debate among fans and players alike.
Borges' victory secured him a spot in the quarterfinals against Hamad Medjedovic. His explanation of cramping adds context to his decision, suggesting it wasn't merely a strategic choice but a necessity.
Bublik's support underscores that some players view it as a legitimate strategy, while the audience's boos reflect the traditional tennis etiquette that favors conventional play. This serve is within the rules, but goes against the unwritten rules of tennis.
Takeaway: The incident serves as a reminder that even within a sport governed by strict rules, perceptions of fair play and sportsmanship can significantly impact how certain actions are received.
Yes, the underarm serve is perfectly legal according to the rules of tennis.
Borges stated that he used the underarm serve due to experiencing cramps during the match.
The crowd booed Nuno Borges after he won the match with the underarm serve.
What do you think about Nuno Borges' underarm serve? Was it a smart move or unsportsmanlike? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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