The Sabalenka Sound: Why Tennis's Loudest Player Can't Keep Quiet

By Lewis Barnett 5 July, 2025 5 mins read 32 Views

I'm watching Aryna Sabalenka play Emma Raducanu right now, and honestly? The grunting is louder than my neighbor's leaf blower at 7 AM on a Saturday.

Look, I've been covering tennis for eight years, and I've never heard anything quite like what comes out of the World No. 1's mouth during a match. It's not just noise – it's a full-blown audio assault that makes Maria Sharapova sound like a church mouse.

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The Science Behind the Screaming

Here's the thing about grunting in tennis (and trust me, I've asked way too many coaches about this). Most players do it because of muscle relaxation. When you're swinging a racket at 90+ mph, your body needs to release tension somewhere.

Think about it like this: ever tried lifting something heavy while holding your breath? You can't. Your fitness instructor probably yells at you to "breathe out on the exertion" for a reason.

Tennis players exhale forcefully to improve their breathing rhythm, increase power, and honestly... let off some steam. The sport's brutal mentally.

But Sabalenka? She's taken this to an entirely different level.

By the Numbers (And They're Wild)

A 2023 study – and yes, someone actually studied tennis grunting patterns – found that Sabalenka grunts 100% of the time she serves. One hundred percent! And 95% of the time on regular shots.

I mean, that's more consistent than my morning coffee routine.

The 27-year-old Belarusian has basically turned grunting into an art form. Or a weapon, depending on how you look at it.

What Her Opponents Actually Think

Ons Jabeur had the best reaction after their 2023 Wimbledon semifinal. She literally laughed and said: "She was screaming for both of us, I guess! I couldn't even scream with her. It's tough."

Poor Ons couldn't get a grunt in edgewise.

But here's where it gets interesting. Coco Gauff – who's faced Sabalenka multiple times – doesn't find it distracting at all. Her take? "At least with her it's consistent, so it doesn't bother me."

Gauff even mentioned playing someone who would grunt longer on purpose during crucial points like 30-all or deuce. Now that's psychological warfare.

The Real Question Nobody's Asking

Is Sabalenka's grunting actually helping her win? Because let's be honest – she's not exactly struggling on court. The woman's won multiple Grand Slams and sits at No. 1 in teh world.

Maybe we're all overthinking this. Maybe she just... needs to make noise to play her best tennis.

Or maybe she's figured out that if you can't beat the mental game, you might as well make your opponent think about something other than their next shot.

Either way, Emma Raducanu better have brought earplugs to this match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is it to compete in junior tournaments for a career in professional tennis?

A junior tournament is a key step to a successful tennis career. These tournaments give young athletes the chance to compete against peers, gain valuable experience in matches, and learn how to deal with the mental demands of competitive play. Junior tournaments are also a great way to prepare for higher-level competitions. They can have a significant impact on a players ranking, their visibility to sponsors and coaches, and even how they develop as a person.

How can a player of tennis balance training and school requirements?

Balancing academic responsibilities and intense training schedules is a significant challenge for aspiring tennis players. This involves excellent time management and prioritization. It also requires creative scheduling. Online schooling programs and flexible academic schedules can help young athletes manage their training and travelling schedules. The support of family, coaches, educational institutions, and other stakeholders is also crucial to ensuring that athletes can achieve their athletic dreams without compromising on their education.

What role plays video analysis in training top tennis athletes?

Video analysis has become a vital tool for developing and training top tennis athletes. It allows for a detailed review of techniques, tactics, match play, and opponent patterns. Video analysis allows coaches and players alike to review strokes in detail, identify areas for improvement, strategize and plan against future opponents. It can also help to recognize habits and patterns that are often overlooked in the heat of competition. This allows for more effective and focused practice sessions.

Can someone begin playing tennis late, and still be a professional?

Tennis is a sport that can be played at any age. While it will require more effort, you can still reach professional status. The individual's ability to play tennis, their work ethic and dedication, as well as the access they have to coaching and competition, will determine whether or not they are successful. Late starters must engage in intensive, highly-focused training. While the path is likely to be longer, with talent, perseverance and dedication, achieving a professional standard is possible.

How important is nutrition to becoming an elite tennis competitor?

Tennis players, like all athletes who want to reach the top of their game, need proper nutrition and diet. An appropriate diet helps support intensive training. It provides the energy needed, aids in recovery, and lowers the risk for injury. Diets for elite athletes usually include a mix of carbohydrates with proteins and fats. They also contain essential vitamins. Another important aspect is hydration, since maintaining a good fluid balance during play is essential to avoid fatigue and maintain focus.

Statistics

Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Studies show that superior agility and speed among tennis players can reduce their reaction time by up to 30%, which is crucial during high-level matches.
On average, it's estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.
Persistent mental training and sports psychology can help reduce performance anxiety by up to 60%, according to sports psychologists working with elite athletes.
Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.

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How To

How to plan your nutrition for tennis training

Having a nutrition plan for tennis is essential to your recovery and energy levels. Incorporate whole grains and fruits and vegetables into your diet for energy. Include protein-rich foods to repair muscle tissue, such as chicken, fish, or legumes. Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in healthy fats that contribute to your overall health. Keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking more water before, during and following practice. After your training session, eat a balanced snack or meal within 30 minutes to promote muscle recovery and replenish glycogen.

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