The handshake at the net

One of tennis’s most distinctive elements in the handshake at net.

After combatants have gone head to head – often for hours – trying to wear each other down, they come together afterward, often sharing a congratulatory or sympathetic as they acknowledge each other after battle.

Handshakes can be revealing – it’s a window into the relationship between two players, how they immediately process victory or defeat, and how important they view the traditions of the game.

Said the narrator: “Despite taking place in front of thousands in the stands or millions at home, the handshake can be an intimate moment, sometimes leading to special memories.”

Dominic Thiem elaborated.

“I think the funniest moment for myself … was when I played against Andy (Murray) in Miami 2015,” he said. “I think it was only a short time before his wedding, so I was wishing him all the best for his wedding; I think he was kind of surprised after really tough match (laughter).

Added doubles specialist Robert Farah: “For me my favourite handshake was back in 2014 in Brisbane, when we beat Roger (Federer) with his partner Nicolas Mahut.

“That handshake when he told me ‘well done, well played’ was very, like, I still have shivering. It was goosebumps (laughter).”