If we didn’t watch it, we certainly have heard about it: Nadal’s rather audacious victory parade after his first win at Wimbledon on Sunday. After a gruelling five hour match, the Spanish tennis player jumped on to the siding and clambered up to see his family, and then, walked on top of the commentary booth to reach the Royal box where he greeted Spanish dignitaries (bypassing other royals that were present).

This has certainly shocked some. Whilst Nadal is the consummate professional (as is R. Federer) his diversion from protocol has raised a few eyebrows. Was it ‘bad’? Was it a nice surprise after the long match? Should future players be penalised for unplanned outbursts? (Even if they have just won £750,000.)

...Football is often referred to as ‘the beautiful game’…which is probably the most out-dated expression...

The British are famously known to be reserved and (allegedly) well mannered. Critics are asking how a British player may have reacted in a similar circumstance. Well, we could sit here and argue this hypothetical situation until we’re blue in the face. Personally, I think that the ecstasy of the moment rather got to the Spaniard, which prompted his break with Wimbledon (and indeed sporting) etiquette. In the past, there have been occasions when I have been delighted with an achievement, award, situation, etc., and have been known to jump around in the street (although it was a very quiet street and I did check who was around…!). Nadal should be let off and it’s not the most heinous crime and elsewhere on or off the court his behaviour has been highly commendable.

Yet this raises the issue of other sportsmen’s behaviour – I shall mention no names, I could type for hours. Sportsmen are role models and young children, especially with football, emulate their celebrations, hairstyles, mannerisms and the like. It is perhaps time for a little more restraint to be taken by our sportsmen, where both winning and losing are taken graciously and ceremoniously. Football is often referred to as ‘the beautiful game’…which is probably the most out-dated expression and needs reviewing, or at least being given to another sport. The pendulum (like with a lot of modern life) perhaps needs to swing back to the more dignified and under-stated, although occasional outbursts – rightly timed – can be a treat for others. In the Nadal case, he perhaps just about got away with it. If he wins again next year though, perhaps a little more dignity, please Mr Nadal?