And there is a cacophony of noise that puts even the best of car audio systems to the shame.

There are only a few times that come to mind when female grunting is justifiable.  Throwing out a big bag of trash, moving the furniture in some midday feng shui, and picking the kiddies up from school are some that come to mind, but not in the process of a tennis game.

There is no need for someone to roar nearly as loud as a lion on each backhand.  The men, of course more aggressively designed by gender, don’t have the same problems.  The women snarl and grunt like plow horses ripping up soil.  And with how many do it, it seems to get into the biggest show in tennis, one must have a degree in Wimbledon Women’s Grunting.

Not only is it unnecessary, grunting may be considered cheating.

Players not prone to these animalistic tendencies are complaining to the Wimbledon officials that not only is the grunting a loud and unnecessary action, but it is also a distraction with how loud the grunts have become.  The younger players, in general, grunt louder and more often than the older grunters.  Some even claim it to be part of their game.  But according to the rulebook and any training program for tennis, I don’t see grunting on the list of skills to practice.

Tennis does, however, have a rule that may come into play in regard to this grunting fiasco.

The rules of the game state, “If the player is hindered on the point by a deliberate act of the opponent, the player shall win the point.”

It is up to the umpire to make the call.  Hopefully, and for the well-being of all our ears, an end will be put to this.

Over the years, Federer has been plagued by one of the best nemesis rivalries in any sport. Federer was the number two player on the clay. Rafael Nadal was the best. Nadal and Federer matching up in the French Open final was like tradition the last several years, just Nadal always had an edge on the clay surface Federer seemed to lack.

But Nadal is on the decline. Federer may be too, but he’s not quite there yet. Federer has struggled the last year, and did again at the French Open, but once Soderling took down Nadal, the Yellow Brick Road lit up for Federer, as did the tremendous pressure placed upon his shoulders to finally win one in France. 

Round after round, Federer played his heart out, getting his fair share of close calls along the way, but ultimately he made it to the final battlefield where he put on his best performance (even with a fan rushing the court during the match).

Federer has always been a class act. Nice guys usually finish last, but it’s refreshing to see that one of them made it. Congratulations Federer.