The holidays are here, tennis fans, and what better way to wrap up 2024 than with a little festive fun? We’ve made our list, checked it twice, and we’re dishing out a cheeky little Naughty & Nice List featuring tennis players who’ve kept us entertained, inspired, and occasionally bewildered this year.
From courtside drama to heartfelt acts of kindness, this year had it all. Let’s dive in— no sugarplums here, just juicy headlines and playful commentary.
The Naughty List— Breaking Rules, Rackets, and the Internet
Ah, the Naughty List. Every sport has its mischief-makers, and tennis is no exception. While we applaud passion, there were moments this year when players could have channeled their inner Scrooge a bit less. Here’s a look at those who made headlines for reasons Santa might frown upon.
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Holger Rune: Racket Smash Central
Holger Rune, the Danish wunderkind, made waves this year—not just for his impressive game but for his volcanic temper. He treated fans to an epic racket smash after losing a tight match. The racket? Shattered. The crowd? Divided. The lesson? Smashing equipment might not be the best therapy for stress. But hey, what do we know?
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Alexander Zverev: Drama on and off the Court
Zverev faced criticism for an on-court outburst, where he launched verbal missiles at the umpire. Off the court, allegations of unsportsmanlike behavior swirled, adding to a less-than-stellar year for the German star, who seems to find it difficult to restrain his temper.
The Nice List: Aces of Kindness and Class
Now, onto the Nice List! These players reminded us why tennis is more than a game—it’s a showcase of sportsmanship, generosity, and resilience.
1. Iga Świątek
Iga Świątek’s impact extends far beyond her impressive career. Known for her charitable contributions, she continues to use her influence to support underprivileged youth in Poland, proving that champions shine brightest off the court.
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has long since earned a spot on the Nice List. His foundation’s efforts to build schools in Serbia garnered widespread praise. Even though his kids probably want to put him on the Naugty List for not giving them phones.
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Frances Tiafoe
Frances Tiafoe’s infectious energy lit up the tour this year. Whether he was rallying with kids at a charity event or cheering up fans with his larger-than-life personality, Tiafoe reminded us why tennis is all about connection. He almost made the naughty list for a bit of an outburst, but we gave him a pass because he likes Taylor Swift.
Naughty or Nice, Tennis Always Delivers
Tennis in 2024 brought its share of drama, joy, and unforgettable moments. Whether players landed on the Naughty or Nice List, they’ve kept us glued to our screens and inspired us with their dedication to the sport.
As we bid adieu to another year, let’s celebrate these athletes for their human moments—the good, the bad, and the “why did they do that?” After all, it’s what makes tennis the vibrant and dynamic sport we love.
🎄 Wishing You a Merry Tennis Holiday Season! 🎄
From all of us at Tennis C Williams, we wish you joy, laughter, and perhaps a shiny new tennis bag under your tree this holiday season. The Rocket, anyone? 😉 It’ll certainly get you on our nice list this upcoming year.