Maria Sharapova grunts. Before Maria Sharapova, perhaps the most famous ‘grunter’ was Monica Seles. It may be that Lauryn Edwards is a bit too young to remember Ms Seles. However, Lauryn’s tennis activities may be limited:

“A 9-year-old Australian girl has been banned from playing tennis at her local club over the noise she makes while competing.

The Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia, reported that Lauryn Edwards was told last weekend that she could no longer play after an opposing player complained about her grunting.”

link: Australian girl banned from tennis club for grunting

If professional super stars like Ms Sharapova and Ms Seles are allowed to play tennis with accompanying vocal expression, why can’t a young nine year old do the same? No tennis organization has dared to challenge Ms Sharapova nor Ms Seles on this. The lawsuits that would follow would be costly. And, undoubtedly, there would be a case made for freedom of expression.

Lauryn Edwards should be playing and having fun. She’s nine years old. Let her play. If grunting is to be stopped, then start with Ms Sharapova and her lawyers.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster