Caroline Wozniacki has called for the tours to introduce a rule addressing excessive on-court grunting. The former Australian Open champion proposed setting a decibel limit, insisting that players should not be allowed to exceed that threshold.
Several fans reacted to Wozniacki’s suggestion, with many pointing fingers at WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for her trademark on-court grunts.
Fans Question Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘Constant Loud Grunting’ As Caroline Wozniacki Suggests WTA Rule Change
Grunting has long been an integral part of the sport, aiding players in proper breathing and power generation, and serving strategic purposes such as putting pressure on opponents. However, at times, prolonged grunts by players have also stirred controversy, most notably during Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s Wimbledon 2023 semifinal.
Recently, the Danish tennis star shared her thoughts on the issue during her appearance on The Nothing Major Show. When John Isner asked Wozniacki what rule change she would introduce on the WTA Tour if given the chance, she responded:
“There should be a decibel thing, so you can’t grunt over a certain level. I think that should be a rule. And also the length of the grunt. I think that would be great ’cause I was never a big grunter; I never made a lot of sounds when I was playing,” she said.
Wozniacki later explained that excessive grunting disrupts opponents and diminishes the viewing experience for fans. While acknowledging it may help some players, she emphasized the need for a rule and urged the younger generation to adopt a quieter on-court approach.
“You can’t hear someone hit the ball properly when someone is screaming so loud. I think it really disturbs the opponent in some way. And I think as a fan, you don’t really want to listen to that either. I know that sometimes it helps you and sometimes it, I don’t know. But I think that should be a rule and the younger generation could start off just being a bit more quiet,” she added.
Several fans later reacted to Wozniacki’s statements with many targeting the Belarusian star in their comments. One wrote:
“Its not even the loud grunts that are the problem but the extended ones. also players like Sab grunt differently if they think their shot is going out/to the net (bc they hit it with a frame or sth) and if the ball ends up in court it can be a crazy hindrance for the opponent imo.”
its not even the loud grunts that are the problem but the extended ones. also players like Sab grunt differently if they think their shot is going out/to the net (bc they hit it with a frame or sth) and if the ball ends up in court it can be a crazy hindrance for the opponent imo https://t.co/IQHjClvaqp
— ksenia (@topspin_fh) November 12, 2025
“Constant loud grunting completely ruins the match for me. Men or women. I can’t watch Rublev, Azarenka, Sabalenka, Kachanov, Trevisan, Sherif matches bc all I can hear is screamming,” another said.
“Semi agree with this. As a fan I couldn’t care less if the players are grunting, but there have been matches where I’ve felt like there is just no way the grunts aren’t making it more difficult for the opponent. They can be so loud, but maybe even worse, sooo extended,” one fan chimed in.
A fan expressed admiration for Sabalenka’s game but criticized her loud grunts, calling them distracting for opponents and irritating for spectators.
“Agreed. I like Sabalenka but she goes way too far. Distracting for opponents and annoying for fans.
Agreed. I like Sabalenka but she goes way too far. Distracting for opponents and annoying for fans. https://t.co/vjFB0vTItZ
— E. (@serveforthewin) November 12, 2025
“Totally. I always have to watch Sabalenka on mute,” one agreed.
“Notice how the grunt significantly reduces when they hit unforced errors and without a change in the force applied. It is something they can do without and I don’t know why they do it,” another commented.
Throughout tennis history, several players have ruled the court with their skill while simultaneously becoming known for their distinctive grunts. Spanish great Rafael Nadal can’t be overlooked in this regard, and in the current era, Aryna Sabalenka stands out for her intense mid-match grunts.
Nonetheless, the Belarusian ended the season as the World No. 1, with four tour titles, including a Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows, and a dominant 63-12 win-loss record.
