Why is everyone talking about grunting?

Michelle Larcher de Brito, a 16-year-old Portuguese wild-card entry into Wimbledon, attracted controversy for her high-pitched wails during a third-round match at last month’s French Open. Her opponent, Aravane Rezaï, complained to the chair umpire and tournament referee, and Larcher de Brito was booed by the crowd. At issue was not only the volume of her screams, but that they lasted so long to be still audible when her opponent swung her racket. Martina Navratilova described it as “cheating”.

Why do tennis players grunt?

As a tactic to put opponents off and mask the sound of the ball hitting the strings; in retaliation when facing a grunter; as a psychological boost to aid shot timing and regulate rhythm. Some players say the sound comes naturally from the effort of hitting a ball hard.

Why do women grunt more than men?

One theory is that the present generation were influenced by grunters such as Monica Seles ; another is that it is because of the increasing amount of effort needed in today’s power-obsessed game.

What are the rules on grunting at Wimbledon?

The ITF’s Rule 26 states: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall win the point.” So players can have a point awarded against them at the umpire’s discretion.