Sporting manners

Professional tennis players:

With a few exceptions, you display great sportsmanship.

You begin and end each match with a handshake at the net, and can often be seen applauding your opponent’s play at the conclusion of a particularly well-placed volley.

You also seem compelled to apologize when good luck comes your way…in the form of the tennis ball clipping the net and falling on the other side of the court.  Immediately your hand pops up, your face adopts a  look for shame.

Really?  Are you truly sorry?  And for what — that a 50/50 chance, a coin toss went your way this time?  Why apologize for that?  It will probably go the other guy’s way next time.  The fates will equal things out, I’m sure.

And if they don’t?  You can wave at your opponent when you hoist the trophy.  Believe me, he’ll get it.