US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka has opponents complaining about loud grunting
Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam
Aryna Sabalenka reached the final of the US Open after a stunning comeback, defeating home favourite Madison Keys 0-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (10-5) to set up a showpiece with another American in Coco Gauff. However, one issue has been raised throughout the Belarussian’s run the final – her grunting.
Sabalenka is well respected on the tour but her grunting has been known to provoke conversation, as the 25-year-old is significantly louder than the majority of her rivals. It is something they have spoken about as she continues her loud approach on her way to the US Open final.
Sabalenka also reached this year’s Wimbledon semi-final before being beaten by Ons Jabeur, who joked that it is “tough” dealing with such a loud opponent. Speaking post-match, Jabeur explained: “She was screaming for both of us, I guess! I couldn’t even scream with her. It’s tough, it is true. I mean, that’s the thing about playing Aryna. She’s there. You know she’s there.”
One of the major incidents came in the 2018 Australian Open during Sabalenka’s first-round defeat to Ash Barty. The Aussie crowd were perplexed at the then-teenager’s grunts, letting her know of their disapproval by mimicking her shrieks between points.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news
JUST IN Bernard Tomic viciously attacked by two men in terrifying footage[LATEST]
This forced the umpire to ask for quiet: “Ladies and gentlemen please, during the rally, do not scream”. But that direction only ensured they would double down, as the umpire once again asked: “Please. Just have the courtesy for the players, please,” while Barty shook her head.
During the match, three-time US Open doubles champion Todd Woodbridge wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Nice player Sabalenka but something needs to be done about her noise and grunting on court.” Pam Shriver, another commentator and doubles champion, echoed his sentiments: “Sabalenka has 347 different sounding grunts. What a talent”.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
US Open star Sabalenka left red-faced after forgetting rules and celebrating[SPOTTED]
Coco Gauff had scary prediction before protesters stormed US Open semi-final[INTERVIEW]
Eugenie Bouchard quits tennis after US Open for career in new sport[LATEST]
US Open tennis makes its long-awaited return to Sky Sports and it’s certainly not something to be missed.
Sky Sports subscribers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch all courts for the first time on Sky Sports.
Want to watch the US Open Tennis but don’t own Sky?
Never fear as you can get Sky Glass, Sky TV, Netflix for £14 a month for six months – thanks to a limited time deal.
You can also get six months Sky Sports completely free.
While Tennys Sandgren, who reached the quarter-finals of that Grand Slam, felt that it was negatively impacting Barty: “I don’t know how many times this girl has grunted into Barty’s swing, but man it’s really getting to me. It’s clearly affecting her play.”
Caroline Wozniacki, who has faced Sabalenka on three different occasions, called on players to speak with the umpire if it is affecting them during matches – though the Dane felt that she should only be punished if the grunt is changing point to point.
“I think we have a rule in place, hindrance rule,” Wozniacki said. “I think obviously it’s the umpire’s job to cut down on it. 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.
“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.”
Source: Read Full Article
