Why do tennis palyers look at their rackets when the miss a game as if to say you caused it.?

Question

I have been watching Tennis players from time to time and I keep observing that most players look at their rackets in disapproving ways when they loss a game as if to say 'look racket you caused this to happen'. They would look at rackets strings, touch it, feel it and then turn the whole racket over and over with signs of disapproval on their faces as if blaming the tool for the game loss, not remembering that it is the same racket that they have been using to win other games.

Why do they have to treat the racket with such 'disrespect' if I may ask.

Answer 1

LOL.  We do the same in table tennis, too!  And I tell my opponent that their nice racket had nothing to do with their missed shot.  

I did look at my tennis racket more, however, because the strings tended to move...and I needed to readjust them... and there was the possibility that a string was broken, because sometimes my racket made a strange sound after I had hit the ball.

Answer 2

There are all kinds of reasons that players look at their rackets after losing a point.  I think the situation you are talking about has to do with focusing.  As a player looking at the strings keeps you from looking at the 15000 fans all watching you play which can make you nervous.  It reminds players to focus on their tennis.  

Other reasons:

1.  To straighten out the strings which can get moved out of place from the friction and force of striking a tennis ball.  

2.  To make sure there isn't anything wrong with the strings like if they are fraying and are about to break the player will then grab a new racquet.

3.  To make sure that small object that another answerer mentioned called the vibration dampener is still on the strings correctly.  It certainly doesn't keep the strings from moving but it does dampen vibrations from impact that can cause problems with your wrist and elbow.  

Basically looking at the racquet after one loses a point is just something to look at.  Odds are they are just doing it to keep from getting distracted by the many other things that can happen during a match.  Most times they are thinking about what they did wrong to lose the point just before that and are just following a routine to reset their minds for the next point.

Answer 3

its just a way for them to focus. Same reason why they bounce balls before serving. Just  a habit to keep rhythm going.

Answer 4

On the other hand, I've seen players kiss their rackets when they win, so maybe it all evens out.

Answer 5

checking to see if the strings are where they are suppose to be...not joking...with the speed that comes off some of those hits, it can shift the strings to one side or the other, not noticeable unless you are holding the racket and looking

you might also notice a small round item towards the base/handle of the racket...that is to keep the strings tight so they don't slip

Answer 6

It's to get their concentration back. to focus more