'THERE'S NO PLACE FOR IT': DOES TENNIS NEED A FAN CODE?

Emma Raducanu is one of many high-profile players who are treated poorly by a minority of fans. (Getty/Matthew Stockman)

This year has already produced some impeccable tennis, ignited new rivalries and produced bright new hopes for the future. But something is continually dimming the light, and it’s not coming from the court. It's coming from the stands. Perhaps now more than ever, it is the behaviour of tennis fans and spectators coming under fire.

Critics argue that fan and spectator behaviour is crossing the line and is disrespectful of players, umpires, and the sport in general. Is it time to implement a form of 'Fan Code' to encourage better etiquette for spectators and minimise disruptions coming from the crowd?

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The discourse around fan conduct was further fuelled at this year’s Australian Open when multiple instances of fans’ disrespectful behaviour crossing the line were the subject of headlines throughout the fortnight. Danielle Collins was livid at the treatment she received from spectators during her victory over young Aussie Destanee Aiava. She was provoked after instances of mocking errors, which prompted her to tell the crowd to "shut up". After shaking hands with Aiava, she displayed her distaste for the crowd's antics, motioning to them to kiss her rear.

"The people that don't like you, and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills," Collins said during her on-court interview, receiving boos as she departed KIA Arena.

Whilst the main issues with crowd behaviour at AO 2025 were ignited during matches where Aussies played, such as Nick Kyrgios' loss to Jacob Fearnley, there were other instances of disrespect. When Novak Djokovic was forced to retire with an injury during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev, the 10-time champion was booed off the court.

The Australian crowd was scolded ruthlessly on social media, with many people pointing out

the difference between supporting players and disrespecting them. The issues arose from the

glaringly unsportsmanlike conduct of the crowd, including jeering and booing of unforced

errors and even between service faults.

More recently, Grigor Dimitrov was subject to heckling during his semi-final against Djokovic at the Miami Open last month. The Bulgarian star called out the spectator for disruptive behaviour before chair umpire Greg Allensworth leapt into action and demanded that the spectator be removed. The two fans at fault were removed from the stadium at the change of ends.

Colin Fleming, a Sky Sports commentator covering the match, stated: "Why would you come to this match, sit in the front row and heckle someone? I just don't understand that mentality. There’s no place for it."

Some argue that a loud and raucous crowd is natural and healthy for tennis. However, the line is continually being crossed between support and disrespect, especially when we see instances of chair umpires and players demanding better behaviour.

It is generally up to the discretion of the chair umpire to "calm" the crowd and control them when support gets out of hand. In the worst instances of wild fan behaviour, such as Dimitrov’s case, spectators are ejected or removed from the court or premises by security.

But how much can an umpire truly notice, having to do their job and officiate as well as control a crowd of thousands? Yes, security and other organisers are relegated to keeping the safety and peace of the event. That being said, in most instances, it is the players themselves who have to directly complain to the umpire before any action is taken.

Other instances of spectators going too far are not only disruptive, but dangerous. Former US Open winner Emma Raducanu was subject to an extremely concerning encounter with a fixated fan during the Dubai Tennis Championships in February. After seeing the 'fan' in the stands, Raducanu visibly broke down during her match against Karolína Muchová. The man was escorted, with the situation handled promptly to ensure the young Brit’s safety. But this is just another example of players, umpires and organisers having to deal with unnecessary controversy.

All these instances highlight a growing problem — Tennis spectator and fan etiquette. The rules and expectations of ticket purchasers for events are stated in the tiny fine print of ticket terms and conditions. But is there a way to ensure better communication with fans about what is and what isn’t appropriate behaviour while watching and enjoying tennis?

Clearer rules and regulations on fan and spectator behaviour, during the ticket purchasing stage and prior to entry to tournament premises could minimise issues. But having more personnel and security focused on crowds, not only on the players on court, could also help further regulate these issues before they get out of hand.

Whilst fans create the lively and magical atmospheres of some of the sport's most incredible matches and moments, the rising phenomenon of poor behaviour is creating a barricade between fans and the players they adore and look up to.

A comprehensive and uniform set of rules and regulations, as well as consequences provided to fans and spectators, could be what tennis needs across the ATP, WTA and ITF levels to promote better respect and safety for all involved.

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