Maria is well known to be super hot, incredibly strong and very noisy! Once it has been measured that her grunts get higher than 100 decibels (something comparable to a chain saw, a pneumatic drill or a passing by train)
During this year we had many discussions about an “acceptable” noisy level especially after watching 2 slams finals played by Sharapova and Azarenka (another super grunter).
Is it a ploy?
Some people like Martina Navratilova sustain that grunting is “cheating, pure and simple” and it has to be banned. The legendary Nick Bollettieri has been accused of deliberately teaching grunting in order to distract opponents.
Sharapova on WTA plan
According to Maria the WTA came out with a plan to discourage grunts by banning young players to do so.
“Bottom line is the right answer has been taken by the tour … I started grunting since whenever I can remember. I see videos of myself and I’ve grunted for that long. Nobody told me to do it in Russia or in Florida. It’s just a natural habit. The information going towards coaches and academies that are developing talent from a young age is teaching them a certain breathing technique. Because when you start something from a young age and continue it, it’s a habit – whether you do grunt or don’t grunt.”
“The WTA created a plan. That’s the smart way to go about it, rather than like taking someone’s forehand and grip in the middle of their career and telling them to change it.”
If it works it is going to be good news for our hears!
Sharapova about her own gruntings
