[Andoror]

I like the way the ruling is now. I really don't want someones who doesn't know how to throw a racquet (read: Davydenko) to start throwing it around. It might hit someone because the angle at which he is throwing is way off. In that case, the racquet CAN hit a linesman and they might start bleeding (read: Gasquet, 2004 US Open qualies) . See, the consequences can be pretty serious... In the end, I just want to see tennis of highest quality being played.. that's about it. But as far as players, I think they worry about warning a lot more than some $500 fine. If they do it again, they might get a point penalty...

[seodiary]

Don't MAKE nelslus go there once again, Scotty.

Alternate post: Good point.

Since I saw you were online, I KNEW you wouldn't be able to resist.

Good thing I managed not to mention a rooster, though, because your head would have exploded.

[teewHettive]

Since I saw you were online, I KNEW you wouldn't be able to resist.

Good thing I managed not to mention a rooster, though, because your head would have exploded.

You're full of them tonight, aren't you?

[medshop]

Still, the counterpoint is, when you throw the racquet, you cannot absolutely guarantee that it won't fly out of control (and/or break apart) and hurt someone. It's happened. So, it really is impossible to say that there is absolutely no chance that someone will get hurt if you throw your racquet.

In any case, I'm fine either way, truth be told. And, hell, it ain't like I've never thrown and, ahem broken a racquet or two or..... (STILL, it ain't exactly like there were ball-kids and umpires around at the time. So there.) (Which is why I also DO get pissed off when folks boo when players throw their racquets or get upset or whatever. I feel like saying, as IF so many of you hypocrites haven't done the same things, and/or worse, and with a LOT less on the line.)

I agree with Nelslus that the player can't guarantee the racquet won't end up hurting someone. I played a mixed dubs match once where the guy got pissed when we won in a 3rd set tiebreak and threw his racquet at the net but it missed the net and came flying in my direction. It didn't hit me, but it could have.

As far as fines go, I think they're so small as to be no deterrent at all. A point penalty is more effective. I'm all for letting them smash their racquets should they so choose, but there should definitely be a stiff penalty if a ball kid or linesperson gets hit, even so far as to DQ the player. This is not to be confused with a racquet that unintentionally flies out of the player's hand.

[Buildityrit]

I say eliminate the fine. Racquet smashing is entertaining to the fans. Besides, it's already costing them $500 to get a new one, anyway.

[teewHettive]

I don't think any of us who are against the fine are saying that they shouldn't have some kind of reprimand for accidentally hitting someone with the racquet. I think that if someone does end up getting hit with the racquet, the player should definitely get fined or have a point penalty or whatever. I don't think, however, that a player should be fined in the cases when no one gets hurt.

I say eliminate the fine. Racquet smashing is entertaining to the fans. Besides, it's already costing them $500 to get a new one, anyway.

Not the ones who have sponsorship deals

[trowUrillioth]

I like the way the ruling is now. I really don't want someones who doesn't know how to throw a racquet (read: Davydenko) to start throwing it around. It might hit someone because the angle at which he is throwing is way off. In that case, the racquet CAN hit a linesman and they might start bleeding (read: Gasquet, 2004 US Open qualies) . See, the consequences can be pretty serious... In the end, I just want to see tennis of highest quality being played.. that's about it. But as far as players, I think they worry about warning a lot more than some $500 fine. If they do it again, they might get a point penalty...

That's the top players. But not someone losing in a first round of a tier III who may be getting about $1200 in prize money.

[jhkjurter]

Keep the fine, give the money to charity.