What you, me and Sharapova all have in common...
We all do it. Imagine yourself lifting something REALLY heavy. You grunt (a bit).
But why, oh why, do our lady tennis players make such an exhibition of themselves grunting at levels most of us find totally off putting? I, for one, would love to watch the ladies' semi finals this afternoon, but I'll probably do something else and settle for the TV highlights later on, because I just cannot stand their grunting.
But are little girls and boys in tennis clubs up and down the land being taught this horrible habit? And is it a tactic used to improve performance or intimidate opponents? Apparently, they're 'alright leaving us'. In other words, it isn't the fault of grass roots tennis clubs and coaches. According to a sports scientist I consulted today, it is something they're taught at a higher level, and is a deliberate tactic used to control the 'humph' we all make when we exert ourselves. Players like Sharapova (whose grunts are measured in decibels), and Azarenka (who has a high pitched wail like a balloon being deflated) are, effectively, pushing out air and emptying their lungs but in a controlled, stabilising way! We could all try it next time we move furniture or take out the trash.
Or perhaps not.
I like my neighbours.
Hi! I’m Anne Diamond and on weekday mornings you can find me on BBC Radio Berkshire (10 - 1). Even if you don’t live in and around Berkshire, and you know me from my TV and writing, you can always read what I’m doing here or listen online. Welcome! 
Comment number 1.
At 12:25 1st Jul 2011, grace wrote:I have followed tennis for as long as I can remember, spending money going to Wimbledon/buying souvenirs books etc, until the Monica Selars (I cant remember the spelling sorry) came along with her horrible grunt which just put me off watching completely, then the Williams sisters did it and it just made it no longer an enjoyable sport to watch. So I have hardly had anyting to do with tennis since then - following other sports.
If all the great tennis players through history - Billie Jean, Chrissie, Martina, Steffie, Borg... didnt need to do it, and many people now dont do it - it isnt needed.
If it is done to intimidate the opponent then i think that is unfair to the point of cheating - it would certainly put me off playing against someone who did that as they played tennis with me. Wouldnt it put you off?
If the audience are meant to keep quiet, all but uncontrolled noise should not be allowed as well. Or where will it stop? There was talk of banning grunting a while back - i think they should. Becasue of Murray i have tried to follow tennis this year but as much as i love it - i have gone off it again and stopped watching - the grunts and screeches are gros, horrible.
I know many others who feel like me and as friends we are going to invest our money into watching sports which do not have this.
It is NOT necessary because it is not from natural effort - weightlifters are quieter and as i said - none of the "greats" felt it necessary.
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