Maria’s grunt no laughing matter

11:59p.m. 19th January 2008

Is it a grunt of supreme exertion or is tennis ace Maria Sharapova’s vocal emission after each shot nothing less than a customised shriek designed to distract her opponent?

That’s the question Sunshine Coast tennis experts are asking after “hearing” Sharapova’s grand shriek win in her contest with former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport.

Noise tests showed the sounds Sharapova made after each shot were almost as loud as a power drill, leading Fox Sports commentator Peter Tramacchi to call for guidelines to be put in place.

“A grunt is a grunt, but this isn’t a grunt, it is a tactical way of putting your opponent off,” said Tramacchi, who hails from the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s not outside the rules of the game but this is the time and place people have got to start looking at it.”

Up-and-coming tennis sensation Shayna McDowell from Tanawha didn’t have a problem with her opponents’ verbal emissions.

“Lots of girls on tours do grunt – but she’s probably the loudest,” she said.

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Posted by My_2_cents from Southern end

on 20 January, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Sharapova's shrieks have nothing to do with exertion, in my arm-chair (at least its admitted as such) opinion. I reckon it's all about distraction.

If it was to increase her power, she would realise she is using energy (ie shrieking/moaning/grunting) long after her shot has been executed and therefor wasting energy. I fully comprehend the notion of a grunt, but this does not apply to her as she has taken it so far beyond practicality that it is absurd.

I find it so annoying I refuse to watch any of her matches - but think, for her modelling career, it's a good thing magazines don't have sound ... yet.

Posted by LifeofRiley from Maroochydore

on 20 January, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I think it is time tennis authorities recognised these "grunts" for what they are. Distractions designed to put other players off. Players have never grunted like this is the past and it is getting to the ridiculous stage.

I do not watch these matches either and I think it degrades the game of tennis. Enough is enough. Control yourself or get off the court.

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