Iva Jovic and Tommy Paul explain why tennis players grunt

You can’t watch a tennis match without hearing players grunt.

But why do they feel the need to make so much noise?

American players Iva Jovic and Tommy Paul have now explained why.

Iva Jovic says grunting is when players exhale but admits some use it to intimidate

During a video on the ‘Tennis Channel‘, several tennis players were asked to explain why they grunt.

“The general, mechanical concept is we exhale,” said Jovic.

“But some people take it to the next level, where it’s like the intimidation factor.”

Paul then shared his thoughts.

“I don’t know, I guess just to release some air.”

Grigor Dimitrov and Eva Lys were also keen to weigh in.

“I think it’s just to let it go,” said Dimitrov.

“Tennis players grunt because we are trying to hit the ball as fast as possible,” added Lys.

“Why do you hear people in the gym grunt when it’s getting tough?

“That’s why we do it!”

Belgium’s Zizou Bergs proceeded to share why he enjoys grunting on big points.

“What’s so nice about the grunting is if you make a nice shot in a full stadium, [and you grunt] afterwards, the crowd just goes fully into it, that’s next level grunting!” he said.

Aryna Sabalenka was punished for grunting at the Australian Open

During the world number one’s semifinal match against Elina Svitolina, she was penalised for grunting during the point.

The umpire called hindrance, gifting Svitolina the point.

Sabalenka was furious with the decision, but quickly composed herself, picking up the win in straight sets.

During her post-match press conference, Sabalenka gave her verdict on the decision.

“She called it, and I was, like, What? What is wrong with you?” said Sabalenka.

“I mean, I think it was the wrong call, but whatever. She really, how do I say in a nice way? She really p—-me off, and it’s actually helped me and benefited my game. I was more aggressive. I was not happy with the call, and it really helped me to get that game.

“So if she ever wants to do it again, like, I want to make sure that she’s not afraid of it. Go ahead, call it. It’s going to help me.”