Originally Posted by AsianDivaGirlsWebDude

Monica Seles started this trend. After her success, many coaches of young players told their players that to improve their concentration, timing and breathing when hitting shots, they should make a sound as their racquet made contact wih the ball.

It has become very exaggerated (and annoying). Every so often, their is talk of cracking down on it (since it provides a distraction to the oponnent), however nothing much has ever come of it except for a few points taken away here an there when it appears unsportsmanlike.

It appears to be mostly gamesmanship at the pro level.

I play competitive amateur tennis and it's always funny to see somebody that is unremarkable in their power grunt really loud as they strike the ball.

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