Sharapova and her colleagues' screeching on the tennis court is unbearable for most people

Last year I made two comments about Russian tennis prima donna Maria Sharapova's screeching on the tennis court at every stroke she made (1 2). In the first place, it was bad sportsmanship. Second, it was unbearably irritating. Sharapova's entrance on to the tennis court is the sign for me to exit the television room.

Sharapova has unfortunately influenced many of her female tennis colleagues who now appear to think it improves their tennis game to scream, screech or grunt their way through their matches. If screeching has improved their game, it has also diminished their audience. News this morning is that the ratings for the Australian Open are down. It not enjoyable to watch a sporting contest that becomes psychological torture. Perhaps the organisers might acquire some backbone and tell the ladies to shut up and play the game.

Comment: gerard@gerardcharleswilson.com