Tennis fair play awards recognize players who compete with respect, honesty and professionalism—not just those who win titles. They celebrate the choices that can be easy to miss in a match: correcting a call that favors you, treating an opponent well after a tough loss, and keeping your composure when pressure rises.
The best-known honors include the ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and the WTA Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award. Here’s what these tennis awards recognize, how players are selected and what fair play looks like on court.
What Are Tennis Fair Play Awards?
Tennis fair play awards honor players whose conduct reflects sportsmanship and respect for the game. Depending on the award, that may include honesty, courtesy toward opponents and officials, and professionalism during competition.
These honors are different from rankings, titles or prize money. A player can have a brilliant season and still be recognized for the way they handle themselves, including in a close match or a difficult moment. Many major awards are voted on by fellow players, giving competitors a say in who sets a good example.
Major Tennis Sportsmanship Awards
| Award | Organization | What it recognizes |
|---|---|---|
| Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award | ATP | Professional conduct, fair play and integrity on court |
| Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award | WTA | Respectful conduct and sportsmanship in women’s tennis |
| Tournament and national honors | Events and tennis organizations | Sportsmanship within a particular competition or program |
ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
The ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award is named after the Swedish tennis champion, known for his calm and respectful approach to competition. ATP players vote for the recipient, recognizing a fellow player who shows sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the season.
Roger Federer holds the record, with 13 wins. Rafael Nadal has also received the award multiple times. Their recognition reflects more than success in big matches: it points to the consistency expected of a sportsmanship award, across different opponents, tournaments and pressure situations.
WTA Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award
The WTA Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award honors the Australian player Karen Krantzcke. It recognizes a player who demonstrates fair play, respect and a positive attitude in competition. Like other player-voted honors, it gives the tennis community a chance to recognize conduct that may not show up in a match score.
The award also highlights an important point: sportsmanship is not limited to one playing style or personality. Players can be quiet or expressive, aggressive or defensive, and still show respect for the rules and the people across the net.
What Does Fair Play Look Like in a Tennis Match?
Tennis puts unusual responsibility on players. In many matches, they must make line calls on their own side of the court, and an opponent may not always be in a position to see the ball clearly. Fair play means being honest about what happened, even when an accurate call could cost you a point.
Common examples include:
- Correcting a call: A player changes an out call when they realize the ball landed in.
- Giving credit: A player acknowledges a clean winner or a strong shot instead of arguing without reason.
- Respecting officials: A player questions a call calmly rather than insulting or intimidating an umpire.
- Following the rules: A player respects the serve clock, changeover limits and other match procedures.
- Showing respect after the match: Players congratulate each other and acknowledge the result, whether they won or lost.
Fairness matters especially on a tight point. A player might believe a ball caught the line but be unsure. The honest response is not always the easiest one, particularly at a key moment. Those small decisions help make a match feel legitimate to both competitors and the crowd.
Why Sportsmanship Awards Matter
A trophy usually celebrates what a player achieved. A fair play award highlights how they competed. That distinction matters in a sport where the score can turn on a single call, and players often have to manage their own emotions without a coach beside them.
These awards can also set a useful example for junior players. Young competitors learn not only from a champion’s footwork or serve, but from how that player reacts to a bad bounce, a disputed call or an opponent’s success. Respect does not mean hiding disappointment or never challenging an official. It means handling disagreement without crossing the line into abuse or gamesmanship.
It is worth remembering that a sportsmanship award is not a complete report on every moment of a player’s career. It is a seasonal recognition, often based on voting and the conduct seen by peers. Nor does receiving one mean a player never makes a mistake. Its value lies in recognizing a pattern of behavior worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who votes for tennis fair play awards?
For major ATP and WTA sportsmanship awards, fellow players have a role in choosing the recipient. The exact process can vary by award, so check the relevant tour or organization for its current rules.
Who has won the ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award the most?
Roger Federer holds the record with 13 wins. The award is presented annually, so the winner changes from season to season.
Is a sportsmanship award the same as a fair play penalty?
No. A sportsmanship award recognizes positive conduct. A code violation or penalty is an official response to a rules breach or misconduct during a match.
Can junior or amateur players receive fair play awards?
Yes. Some tournaments, schools and tennis organizations give sportsmanship awards to junior or amateur players. The criteria vary, but they often recognize honesty, respect and good conduct.
Final Thoughts
Tennis fair play awards recognize the human side of competition: honesty under pressure, respect for opponents and officials, and self-control when a match gets tense. The ATP Stefan Edberg and WTA Karen Krantzcke awards are prominent examples, but the same values matter at every level of the game. A great point may win a match; a fair response can earn lasting respect.
