GRUNTERS & SQUEALERS

Peter Evans

I used to enjoy Wimbledon, but not any more. The only sound during the rallies was the noise coming from the ball hitting the racket. In between the points we politely clapped, with the odd ‘Great shot; thrown in for good luck. Even today, although the crowd gets considerably more excited between points, (will we ever hear ‘Come on Tim; again?) it is still obediently quiet during play, mobiles off and no chatting. What the blazes is the point
of trying to chat when you can hardly hear yourself speak it’s so noisy but it’s not the crowd, it’s the players!

When Harmison runs full blast up to the wicket and launches the ball down at a little over 90 miles and hour it is not accompanied by any noise indicating he has made quite an effort. Even Rooney’s loud outbursts do not indicate personal pain, other than his serious concern over the parentage of the referee. So why on earth do we have to listen to all these ridiculous noises from tennis players? OK they’re trying hard - so they darned well
should be considering the money they get! I’ll swear that wretched Russian girl squeals when she ties up her shoe-laces!

Why are they allowed to get away with it? Is there method in their madness?
If your opponent grunts does it matter? Well, supposing he sometimes grunts as he hits the ball, and at other times grunts a fraction before he hits the ball and, at other times grunts a fraction after he has hit the ball? Does it matter then? I submit that it does.

They can’t help it? Can’t they? I remember watching one very famous grunter, a left-handed chap ? Jimmy, someone or other- going through an hour-long practice session on a side court at Wimbledon on the morning of a big match.
Total silence! Not a sound. In the afternoon, though, the grunts were there loud and clear. Why?

Brett Lee isn’t allowed to let out a scream as his arm comes over (mind you if he was bowling at me I’d be yelling for help at the top of my voice.), it’s the rule. I think it’s time the same rule applied in tennis.

One thing is for sure and that is that it would be a lot more pleasant to watch.