Why I Am Boycotting the Women's Final at the Australian Open Between Sharapova and Azarenka

Many tennis fans are lamenting the upcoming women's final at the Australian Open. They aren't happy with the fact that it will undoubtedly be one of the loudest grand slam finals EVER.

Each of the finalist, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka respectively, possesses blistering groundstrokes that they can blow by their opponents at will. Each also possesses a grunt, actually a scream for Sharapova and a hoot for Azarenka, that can pierce their opponents ear drums.

But this is not why I'll be boycotting the women's final at the Australian Open. It's not because they make a noise when they strike the ball. Heck, many of us club players do as well. I find that I'm even grunting more as I get older, and it seems to take more effort to strike the ball with the same amount of pace as I did 10 years ago.

I certainly take issue that their "grunts" can be turned on and off at will, and seemingly become longer and more protracted when the score gets tight. Martina Navratilova was one of the first to note that these long and loud "grunts" can and do mask the sound of the ball coming off of their racquet, making it a bit harder to read their shots.

Also, their opponents are often striking the ball as both women are still screaming and hooting. It's not right, no matter how you spin the debate. I wouldn't call it cheating as Martina often does.* It definitely becomes a tactical advantage during a match when you nerves and tightness can always affect the outcome of crucial points. But this is still not why I'm boycotting the final.

One of the greatest players in the game today, Rafael Nadal, has quite a distinctive grunt. I'm a huge Rafa fan and readily admit that he sounds like someone in agony when his grunt is at full throttle. However, Rafa clearly grunts because of the monumental effort he puts into each shot. And his grunt doesn't last beyond the strike and follow-through.

I've watched both women practice at the Sony Ericsson Open. While Maria does scream somewhat in practice, it's not the animated version we hear during matches. That version only appears in a tough match situation and becomes ear-splitting. Vika's situation is more bothersome. I saw her slamming balls in practice against a male hitting partner with nary a peep. But when the match started so did her protracted "hooting". If it wasn't necessary in practice then why is it necessary during the match?

So I don't buy the argument that it is used to help with their power. I don't buy the "this is what I've always done" argument. They are professionals and could make a change if they wanted to make a change. But they don't want to change, even knowing that it bothers opponents.

That attitude is annoying, but the reason for my boycott of the final is this. They are unapologetic about their noise and could care less about making a change even though they are well aware that fans and ticket-buyers are also put off by their noise. This is a horrible attitude for them to have at a time when the WTA desperately needs stars to market. Maybe not so much for Sharapova, but definitely for Azarenka: a young lady whose off-court behavior is notoriously condescending and rude at tournaments.

This is a recent quote from Maria: "You've sure obviously asked me this question before. I've heard it a few times over my career. You've watched me grow up, you've watched me play tennis. I've been the same over the course of my career. No one important enough has told me to change or do something different."**

This is a from recent story on Azarenka: Azarenka makes no apologies for her grunting, which has been the source of much debate at Melbourne Park. The world number three maintains it is an integral part of her breathing technique and vital to the way she plays the game. She seems exasperated by the questions and at a loss to explain the sudden outcry against her and fellow grunters.***

I get that they don't care if it bothers their fellow competitors. But when they thumb their noses at the fans who pay good money to help line their pockets, I take issue. If they don't care about the fact that they make watching their matches a very fan-un-friendly experience, then why should I care about them?

I have stayed up late virtually every night of the Australian Open to watch all the matches leading up to the climactic finals for both the men and the women. Tomorrow, however, I will be sleeping soundly. Well away from any screams or hoots. Maybe if others do the same "someone important enough" (are you listening WTA) will finally say something to them.

* Tennis legend Navratilova calls grunters cheats

** The Battler & the Tattler

*** Azarenka Expects to Hear Sharapova Loud and Clear