Episode Details

Episode #35 Season 24: Shaun Boyce & Justin Yeo

Breathing is generally important in any exercise but its importance increases incredibly in physically taxing sports, like tennis. Grunts just make the inhale- exhale process easier. Nobody really doubts the functionality of the act particularly during service, However, the associated sounds receive cancellation from fans, coaches, referees and players alike.

In this 10 minutes of Tennis episode, powered by GoTennis,  Shaun Boyce sits with Justin Yeo to resolve the debate on grunts. Irritating they might be, but are they important for tennis players? In a comical fashion, Justin Yeo provides the answer in less than 10 seconds,”Yes!!”

Meet Our Guest

Justin Yeo: Our very own, Justin Yeo is the australian pro-tennis coach. Yeo is currently working in Atlanta. The diverse tennis cultural difference of Australia and Atlanta provides Yeo with an unique understanding and perspective. His coaching philosophy revolves around building the playing style around the skills and habits of the players. Therefore, he is meticulous in detailing everything that goes on in the field.

Highlights of the Episode 

Press the play button to uncover the interesting discussion on Grunts in modern tennis.

• Changes of Soundscapes in Modern Tennis: Yeo explains that seemingly modern tennis is much more vibrant with sounds than classical tennis of the 50s or 60s. However, tennis has always been noisy. The sounds didn’t find their way to the audience earlier due to lack of microphone and cameras around the court. The availability of these technologies have made these sounds audible now. But the sounds of exhalation were always there, as a part and parcel of the game. So, the compliance of the sounds are nothing new.
• Importance of Breathing: During the intense moments of the tennis match, players require energy to fire up their shots. Breathing not only relaxes the mind but also ensures supply of Oxygen to the brain and muscles to ensure their function properly. Unfortunately, many players forget to breathe during the pressured moments.
• Impact of Grunts: Even when players are repeatedly  asked to open their mouth in intense sections of the game, they forget to breathe properly even with an open mouth. While gruthing, they push the carbon dioxide saturated air out and make the sound. This ensures that the diaphragm is open and fresh air flows into the system. This act alone can reduce the pressure on the players and make them focus and their shots more powerful.
• Physiology and Psychological Aspects of Grun