Excessive grunting is not an issue affecting players, WTA says in wake of Aryna Sabalenka outrage

TENNIS fans and former greats are screaming over the noise made by teenager Aryna Sabalenka in her Australian Open clash with Ash Barty. But the WTA has a different view.

Aryna Sabalenka made the noise after almost every shot. Picture: Getty

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 16th seed Ash Barty on Tuesday night.

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”.

DAY THREE: NEWS, RESULTS FROM AUSTRALIAN OPEN

ANALYSIS: UMPIRE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED HORRENDOUS GRUNTING

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Barty’s compatriot Olivia Rogowska said the level of Sabalenka’s shot-by-shot screaming was the “highest I have seen”, but that the Queenslander had handled it well.

Sixteen-time grand slam doubles winner Todd Woodbridge declared “something needs to be done about (Sabalenka’s) noise and grunting”.

Aryna Sabalenka has been slammed for her grunting during the clash with Ash Barty.

Australian three-time grand slam doubles winner Rennae Stubbs said “we have to do something with our younger gen(eration) to get them to stop grunting/screaming/yelling so loudly when playing!”.

And 95 per cent of Herald Sun readers polled online said the noise had gone too far.

But while former players and fans led the charge in calling for the Women’s Tennis Association to take action, the WTA played a straight bat.

“Grunting is a natural part of the game; there is a correlation between breathing, a forceful exhale and power,” the WTA said in a statement.

“Excessive grunting doesn’t seem to be an issue that affects players, but we’re aware of how some fans react to it. It’s important that we address their concerns. Excessive grunting is being addressed through a commitment to an ongoing educational outreach.”

Aryna Sabalenka made the noise after almost every shot. Picture: Getty

Barty said she had been prepared for the grunting and that it was not a distraction.

A hindrance rule is in place for both accidental and deliberate acts, with deliberate calls by the umpire resulting in the loss of a point.

A player can seek such a ruling against his or her opponent.

World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki said when on-court sounds sound changed it become a problem for players.

“I think obviously it’s the umpire’s job to cut down on it,” she said.

“Also if the player feels that it’s disturbing, to go up to the umpire and say so.

“I think it’s different if someone has the same grunt. We have some players that have the same grunt. That’s one thing. You get used to it. It’s not really a big deal.

Caroline Wozniacki says grunting becomes an issue when it changes for different shots but it’s up the umpire or opponent to step in if it’s excessive.

“But it’s different whenever the grunts change from ball to ball and point to point. That’s when you start hearing more the sound.

“I think it’s the matter of the umpire to say, ‘If you want to grunt, grunt, but there’s also a limit to everything’.”

Australia’s head of women’s tennis Nicole Pratt said that she expected Sabalenka to be spoken to by authorities.

Australian tennis great John Newcombe once referred to grunting — then in relation to Maria Sharapova — as “legalised cheating”.

So after having my hearing damaged last night! 😂🤨Seriously i have an IFB in my ear peeps, so it’s twice as loud courtside. We have to do something with our younger gen to get them to stop grunting/screaming/yelling so loudly when playing! Especially when they’re good!! @WTA

— rennae stubbs (@rennaestubbs) January 16, 2018

And Pratt agreed with the sentiment.

“It is,” she said on 3AW.

“The player does rely on the sound of the ball coming off the racket.

“And probably more the issue is when players grunt or scream for an extended period of time because then that is impeding on your hitting time and hitting space.

“There is a bit of an issue when it does get extended.”

WTA HINDRANCE RULE (from WTA Rulebook)

If a player hinders her opponent, it can be ruled as either involuntary or deliberate.

1. Involuntary Hindrance

A let should be called the first time a player has created an involuntary hindrance (e.g., ball falling out of pocket, hat falling off, etc.), and the player should be told that any such hindrance thereafter will be ruled deliberate.

2. Deliberate Hindrance

Any hindrance caused by a player that is ruled deliberate will result in the loss of a point.