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Should John McEnroe grunt?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Dennis LendremORCiD

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Abstract

The tennis player John McEnroe is well known for his audible, vocalized 'grunt' service game. This paper analyzes the outcome of 'grunt' and 'silent' serves during the 1983 Wimbledon tennis tournament. Silent serves were twice as successful as grunt serves. Grunt serves were twice as likely to be returned by opponents. Silent serves were more accurate - more likely to be 'in service' leading to fewer 'lets' and fewer lost points - and aces were twice as likely to be served on a silent serve as a grunt serve.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Lendrem DW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: New Scientist

Year: 1983

Volume: 99

Issue: 1367

Pages: 188-189

Print publication date: 21/07/1983

ISSN (print): 0262-4079

Publisher: IPC Magazines Ltd.


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