Move to silence grunt
FORMER stars have spoken for the masses, declaring grunting a blight despite authorities playing down the Melbourne Park controversy.
Teenage Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka attracted fierce criticism during and after her high-decibel loss to Australian Ashleigh Barty on Tuesday.
Sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd mocked the yelps at various stages, drawing a plea from the chair umpire to “please during the rallies do not scream … just have courtesy for the players, please”.
Sixteen-time grand slam doubles title winner Todd Woodbridge said “something needs to be done about (Sabalenka’s) noise and grunting”.
The Women’s Tennis Association played a straight bat, though: “Grunting is a natural part of the game; there is a correlation between breathing, a forceful exhale and power.”