Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Why do today's tennis players come with their own sound effects?

Lets get this out of the way up-front.  I love tennis, I've been to Queens Club and watched Wimbledon every year and I can't believe how long it has taken me to notice this.  If you google Murray v Nadal (US open semi final 2011) and compare it to say Stich v Edberg (Basel final 1993) there is one major difference - a lack of grunting.  Seriously, compare the two.  The Basel match you can't take your eyes off for a number of reasons - the players, the almost balletic shots and the grace, strength and power behind them they make their battle look effortless.  Murray v Nadal on the other hand you could be chasing a peanut across the floor and you'd still know who had just hit the ball because of their grunts, groans and moans.  The women are just as bad, Seles v Sabatini Miami 1991, Seles actually does a double grunt a sort of 'ahh- uhhh!' each time she hits the ball.  Sabatini just grunts.  Right up to date 2011 Wimbledon final Sharapova v Kvitova, Sharapova screams into her serve.  Compare this with Virginia Wade v Betty Stove Wimbledon 1977 final, not a grunt or a yell in sight. 
We know you're putting your all into each shot - just lose the sound effects.

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