SUMMARY
- Grunting in tennis dates back to the 1970s, with Jimmy Connors being dubbed as the father of the tennis grunt.
- Studies reveal that despite being a source of annoyance, grunting enhances players' power besides other advantages.
Ever wondered why tennis players make so much noise on the court? Grunting has been prevalent since the beginning of the open era in the 1970s. Jimmy Connors was dubbed the father of the tennis grunt. Despite the controversial nature of this practice, which appears ugly and annoying at times, its prevalence has continued generation after generation.
Grunting is often a source of annoyance for both the opponent and the spectators. However, studies show its beneficial effect for the players as it enhances the power element of their strokes. Grunting allows a sudden burst of breath. This exhalation at the time of hitting the shot releases more energy into their shots. Hence, the players who make noise hit their groundstrokes faster than their silent counterparts.
Beyond sheer power, players use grunting strategically. It can distract opponents, disrupt their reaction time, and even confuse them regarding the shot’s intensity and direction. It has been seen that such players grunt just after hitting their shot, which is more of a negative practice than using it for themselves.
TIL that Maria Sharapova’s on court grunt has been recorded at a volume of 101 decibels. That’s louder than a motorcycle, a lawnmower and a small aircraft. In fact it’s only 5 decibels less than a lion’s roar.
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Some smart players employ deceptive tactics as well, like grunting loudly for a powerful shot but delivering a subtle drop-shot, catching their opponents off guard. Yet, grunting isn’t just a tactical weapon; it serves psychological and physiological purposes. From releasing tension to improving breathing and rhythm, grunting offers players a way to gain confidence on the court.
Despite debates on whether it should be allowed, the practice remains a significant aspect of the game. While some former legends, like Martina Navratilova, consider grunting akin to cheating, others argue it’s an integral part of tennis.
The loudest known grunters in tennis
In the world of women’s tennis, Maria Sharapova had redefined the art of grunting, taking the practice to new heights. Despite being the most prolific grunter in the women’s game, she once met her match. During Wimbledon 2013, when she faced Portuguese qualifier Michelle Larcher de Brito, it turned the match into the “battle of the grunters.”
Sharapova’s grunts reached an impressive 103 decibels, but the lesser-known youngster, Larcher de Brito, outdid her, hitting a remarkable 109 decibels and, in the process, even causing a major upset by defeating the Russian. It was dubbed the loudest match in tennis history, with the media stating, “Larcher de Brito screams right past Sharapova.”
On the men’s side, Spanish players are known for having the loudest grunts on the court. Notably, players like Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer have received criticism for their noisy playing styles. However, the title of the loudest male grunter goes to Marcel Granollers, who is also nicknamed “Gruntollers” for his grunting. Though not as loud as his female counterparts, his grunts have often reached 95-plus decibels.
Interestingly, when Marcel is not playing, his voice is surprisingly low, and you wouldn’t expect his loud grunts in matches. This further explains that professional players may be specifically trained for grunting from their formative years as a way to enhance their game.