World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki has said that it is up to match umpires to take action against players who use grunting to deter their opponents after a player was mocked at the Australian Open.
On Tuesday Belarusian world No.66 Aryna Sabalenka was scrutinised for her high pitched grunting against Ash Barty on the Rod Laver Arena. At one point during the match, which Barty won in three sets, members of the crowd were making fun about the volume of the noise. Then an outbreak of laugher emerged when the umpire asked the audience ‘not to scream’ during rallies.
https://twitter.com/telegraph_sport/status/953477148173586433
After clinching the win, Barty dismissed the motion that the grunting of her opponent put her off in any way. Explaining that if she let a ‘little issue’ irritate her, it will turn into a bigger issue in itself.
“A lot of players grunt. A lot of players don’t grunt. It’s just the way they are, the way they play. For me, it wasn’t a distraction. It wasn’t anything like that. It was just part and parcel. I knew it was coming.” Barty explained.
Grunting has been a debated topic in recent years with critics saying that they are unnecessary and loud. In the past Maria Sharapova has been one of the many players criticised. During the 2005 Australian Open, a member of the crowd told the former world No.1 to ‘shut up’ during a rally. The Williams sisters and Victoria Azarenka are other players known for the noises they make during matches.
Following her latest win at the Australian Open, second seed Wozniacki has played down the hype surrounding grunting on the court. Saying that it is something that players have to ‘deal with.’
“I think we have a rule in place, hindrance rule. I think obviously it’s the umpire’s job to cut down on it. Also, if the player feels that it’s disturbing, (they should) go up to the umpire and say so.” Said Wozniacki.
“I think it’s different if someone has the same grunt. We have some players that have the same grunt. That’s one thing. You get used to it. It’s not really a big deal.”
Wozniacki’s viewpoint is one that is also shared by the governing body of the Women’s tour. Responding to the remarks made about Sabalenka, the WTA has denied that it is a problem affecting the tour. Saying they are tackling ‘excessive grunting’ via educational methods.
“Grunting is a natural part of the game; there is a correlation between breathing, a forceful exhale and power,” the WTA said in a statement to AFP news.
“Excessive grunting doesn’t seem to be an issue that affects players, but we’re aware of how some fans react to it. It’s important that we address their concerns. Excessive grunting is being addressed through a commitment to an ongoing educational outreach.”
It is debated as to how beneficial grunting is in tennis. A 2014 study by the University of Nebraska found that players who make noise during shots hit the ball 4% faster than those who don’t. Giving less time for their opponent to return the ball.
