Why Do Tennis Players Shout “Come on!”
During tennis matches, spectators often hear emotional shouts from players, especially the phrase “Come on!”. These reactions are a common part of modern tennis and serve clear psychological and tactical purposes. Emotional shouts help tennis players maintain focus, release tension, and keep their internal rhythm during a match.
The Role of Emotions in Tennis
Tennis is an individual sport in which players are fully responsible for every point they play. In this context, emotional self-support plays an important role. Short shouts after winning points help players reset mentally, refocus on the next rally, and maintain psychological balance.
“Come on!” in Tennis in the United States
Images: Getty Images, Coco Gauff
The phrase “Come on!” is one of the most well-known expressions in tennis. American players use it to encourage themselves and show a fighting spirit. This shout signals a readiness to compete until the very end and stay fully engaged regardless of the score.
“Allez!” in France
Images: Peter Staples/ATP Tour, Gael Monfils
French tennis players commonly shout “Allez!”, which translates as “Go!” or “Forward!”. This expression helps boost energy levels and maintain match intensity. “Allez!” is also frequently echoed by fans in the stands.
“Yosh!” in Japan
Images: AFP/Getty, Naomi Osaka
In Japan, tennis players often shout “Yosh!”, meaning “Good!” or “Yes!”. This expression is used to mark an important moment in the match and to reinforce confidence after a successful point.
“¡Vamos!” in Spain
Images: Getty Images , Carlos Alcaraz
Spanish players frequently shout “¡Vamos!”, which means “Let’s go!”. This expression became widely recognized through Rafael Nadal. It supports high intensity, emotional engagement, and sustained focus throughout long matches.
Ukrainian Expressions on Court
Ukrainian tennis players also have their own emotional phrases that help maintain tempo and mindset during a match. On social media, the Marta Kostyuk Foundation community mentioned expressions such as “Come here!” or “Over here!”.
These shouts serve the same purpose as their international equivalents: they help players reset after an important point, stay focused, and maintain their energy throughout the match.
Shouts as Part of Tennis Strategy
Images: Reuters, Serena Williams
Emotional shouts in tennis serve multiple functions. They reduce internal tension, help players maintain tempo, and can create additional psychological pressure on an opponent. For these reasons, such reactions have become a standard element of professional tennis.
