Is Bad Behavior Good for Tennis?

By Blair Henley

Photo Credit: Reuters

(June 26, 2012) -- Last week’s “Nalbandian incident”, as the ugly, line-judge-injuring kick has come to be called, made international headlines. And as much as I feel I should be condemning the Argentine’s deplorable lack of self-control, I’m left secretly celebrating his misbehavior as a means of bringing attention to a sport that desperately needs it.

At the risk of sounding like I’m ripping a page from the Kim Kardashian playbook, I consider any publicity good publicity as far as the game of tennis is concerned.

Let’s be honest: bad behavior (or the potential for it) is fun to watch. Serena Williams’ outbursts, Andy Roddick’s whining, and in the most recent case, Nalbandian’s kick, are of interest to the average sports fan – not just tennis fanatics. And that universality is what tennis has been missing since the McEnroe/Connors heyday in the 1970’s and early 80’s.

After Roddick’s first round win at last year’s U.S. Open he expressed his displeasure with what he considers personality-stifling conduct rules in professional tennis. The way he sees it, players should have a right to self-destruct and/or act like small children on the court if they so choose.

"Let's put it this way,” he explained, “[John] McEnroe is still getting endorsements and he's 87 years old, so … I mean, what does that tell you?”

Roddick has a point. Tennis seems to have an identity crisis that stems all the way back to the start of the Open-Era in 1968. It will always be known as a gentleman’s game where decorum is demanded and manners expected. But the demure, country club side of the sport is in constant conflict with the high stakes professional game it has become.

Total prize money on both the men’s and women’s tours now exceeds $90 million. And with that much at risk, it’s no surprise tempers flare.

So maybe the ATP and WTA Tours should deregulate. Crack a racket? Sure! Belittle an umpire? Go for it! Trip an opponent on a changeover? Yes! The game could take on a good vs. evil quality that would put even Harry and Voldemort to shame.

But given that tennis may not be quite ready to enter the realm of the WWE, it’s necessary to find a middle ground.

While player meltdowns will always make for riveting television, perhaps it’s really some good, old-fashioned personality tennis needs. Despite what the game’s bad boys (and girls) might think, it’s possible to create SportsCenter-worthy buzz without being offensive.

When Novak Djokovic riled up the crowd before saving a second match point against Federer in last year’s U.S. Open semis– that was entertainment. Same goes for Andrea Petkovic’s dancing, Francesca Schiavone’s clay-kissing, or Sloane Stephens’ comedic press interviews.

While David Nalbandian may have missed the memo, drama and class are not mutually exclusive. Just ask Roger Federer (who, by the way, will still be getting endorsement deals at age 107).