Sportsmanship is one of the few things that keeps the spirit of players alive. However, many are flagrant with it and throw it aside. They argue that since the rules allow it, it’s fair game. One move that most players follow is that, when the opponent is at the net, a smash would not be aimed at the body. However, an instance with Novak Djokovic did not follow this norm at the Rome Masters. His opponent Cameron Norrie smashed an overhead right at the feet of the Serbian legend. It has been the cause of intense debate on social media, with fans dubbing it the ‘Overheadgate’. The same was the topic of discussion in the latest tweet of Mardy Fish, who made a list of players who would hit the body often.

Novak Djokovic and Cameron Norrie faced each other in the fourth round of the Italian Open. After the British tennis star hit the shot at Djokovic, the Serb looked infuriated.

Mardy Fish makes a list of players who would ‘hit you in the face’

After witnessing the ‘Overhead Gate’, former Australian player Mardy Fish could not help but talk about the breach of sportsmanship. Fish talked about the issue on his Twitter account. He even gave a list of the top 5 players who would be involved in it if they were still active. His list included some of the most prominent players in the sport.

“In honor of “Overhead Gate” between Cam and Novak… Here is my top 5 list of guys who would hit you in the face with an overhead if you were at the net… 1. Ivan Lendl 2. Jimmy Connors 3. Andy Roddick 4. Nenad Zimonjic 5. James Blake (Jerk)“. The response to the list was divided. While some agreed with Fish, many disagreed due to the behavior of players off the court. 

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Novak Djokovic and the “Overhead Gate”

The fourth round of the Italian Open saw Novak Djokovic facing Cameron Norrie. During an intense rally, the Brit’s drop shot forced Djokovic to rush to the net. He wasn’t able to return a substantial shot. Norrie returned it easily, and Djokovic once again couldn’t return the ball with his usual panache, as he could only lob it for an easy smash. Djokovic gave up as he wouldn’t be able to return the smash. 

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Norrie was on the verge of getting an easy point, but his shot landed directly at Djokovic’s feet. The Serb turned around sharply and looked at Norrie with anger, who did apologize. It still did not settle well with the Djoker, who didn’t look at his opponent during the post-match handshake. This incident sparked a discussion about sportsmanship in the sport of tennis. 

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