Earlier this week, it was revealed that tennis player Andrea Petkovic will no longer perform her popular “Petko Dance” having faced ongoing criticism. The issue highlights just one of the hypocritical and frustrating aspects of tennis that needs to be addressed.
What comes to mind when you think of winning celebrations in tennis? Pat Cash climbing the stands? Lleyton Hewitt with his imaginary lawn mower, that trademark “C’MON” and “The Vicht”? Roger Federer becoming a blubbering mess?
Or the grand slam staple of falling to your knees or laying flat on the court in disbelief?
The “Petko Dance” is just as unique and passionate as each of these celebrations, and if anything, it’s far more tame than some out there.
So why has Andrea Petkovic been attacked for it and forced to stop herself from a little boogie every now and then?
The reason she’s come under pressure to stop the dance is reportedly due to constant disapproval from US media and other players.
Though the dance has been accused of being “disrespectful” on several occasions fellow players have actually joined Petkovic in the jig. Even when the German lost against Agnieszka Radwanska in Beijing, she accepted a request to do the dance with her opponent.
Can’t say many other players would be so generous having lost in a final.
It all draws attention to the ongoing hypocrisy and uptight nature that still lingers in tennis from the old days of exclusivity and a “members only” attitude.
How can the stiff-lipped tradition and suffocating etiquette of tennis stand in the way of a little victory dance, yet somehow have no issue with Venus Williams’ nude pants or Nadal’s predisposition to scratch his butt?
How can US commentators get all high and mighty about a boppy number from a World No.10 player, yet froth at the mouth over Novak Djokovic’s player impersonations? And let’s not have anything more than a fairy clap in the stands please.
So much whinge over something so harmless!
Tennis needs to find a balance, a fair ground that allows the joys of tennis to be felt equally and shared appropriately by all in the modern day. And it needs to stop letting tradition stand in the way of a good time.
This is sport, after all.
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