WTA Looking To Take Grunting Out Of The Game

The Women's Tennis Association could provide Wimbledon umpires with "grunt-ometers so that they can dock points" from female players who throw off opponents with loud shrieks, according to Victoria Ward of the London TELEGRAPH. The WTA has said that "off-putting wails can no longer be tolerated" and the plan to drive out grunting from players "such as Maria Sharapova" is in its early stages. WTA CEO Stacey Allaster said, "It's time for us to drive excessive grunting out of the game for future generations." The loudest grunt came from Maria Sharapova back in '09. It was recorded at 105 decibels or the "equivalent to standing 3ft from a chainsaw" (TELEGRAPH, 6/28).