Tennis Quirks and Superstitions That Players May…

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Friday the 13th may bring out the superstitious side of many people. However, some players on both the ATP and WTA Tour carry superstitions throughout the entirety of the tennis season.

From service routines to bag accessories, players bring all sorts of personality and quirks to the court that fans at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers can look out for.

Ball Bounce

The ball bouncing before a player is set to serve might be the most prevalent quirk in tennis. Almost every player does it but, for some, it’s more of a superstition than a common routine.

Novak Djokovic has been known to bounce the ball more times than a vast majority of players – now kind of affected by the serve clock – but the 24-time Grand Slam champion was once a lot more particular about his service routine. About a decade ago, the Serb used to bounce the ball an even number of times when on the deuce side and an odd number of times on the advantage side.

Djokovic has since gotten less peculiar about his routine though.

Canadian Denis Shapovalov likes to add some flair to his ball bouncing. The Richmond Hillian bounces the ball through his legs – similar to a crossover in basketball – every time before getting ready to serve.

Shapovalov got his inspiration from John Isner, but the Canuck isn't the only lefty known to have a meticulous serve routine. Rafael Nadal, 22-time Slam champion, always kept to the identical habit of adjusting his shorts then shirt, touch his nose, and fix his hair before serving.

Shiny (and Tiny) Accessories

Not necessarily a superstition, but some players like to bring a touch of their own personality and interests out onto the court.

The recent spotlight has been shining off Aryna Sabalenka’s engagement ring. The two-time reigning WTA Player of the Year debuted her brand-new diamond ring in Indian Wells and has worn it during her dominant play over the first four rounds, not conceding more than six games in a single match so far.

If Sabalenka can stop Victoria Mboko’s surge in the quarters and go on a title run in Indian Wells, the ring might just make an on-court appearance for the rest of the season.

Naomi Osaka’s Labubu crew at the 2025 US Open might’ve been her good luck charm after returning to the second week of a major. The Japanese’s custom-made Labubu, with names like “Andre Swagassi” and “Billie Jean Bling”, watched on from her bag as she reached her first Grand Slam semifinal since she won the Australian Open in 2021.

Jannik Sinner also carried a bit of luck on his bag late last season. The Italian received a homemade “mini-Jannik” doll from a fan during the Rolex Paris Masters. Sinner then said, “I hope this brings me luck, so I’m going to put it in the bag obviously and let’s see.”

It worked exactly how he hoped. The four-time major champion went on to win in Paris then defend his Nitto ATP Finals title in Turin, all without dropping a set.

Food and Drink

Osaka is involved again in the next tour superstition. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the four-time Grand Slam winner admitted that her water bottles must be placed completely straight before play restarts.

Daniil Medvedev also told Olympics.com that, “I eat exactly two hours and 30 minutes before my matches. Always. It can’t be a second earlier or later. A tick. I don’t change these things. Other things, like training before a match, I sometimes adjust.”

What he eats before a match? Medvedev didn’t say, but at least fans know what the former world No. 1 is doing two-and-a-half hours before he steps onto the court.

The WTA's best return to Toronto next summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!

The ATP's best return to Montreal next summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at IGA Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo: Sarah-Jade Champagne