Tennis Fans Are Being Advised To Pack Their Earplugs

Wimbledon fans were being advised to pack their earplugs this week as some of the world’s best tennis players with noisy reputations battle it out in SW19.

Today sees the media sweetheart Maria Sharapova take on Angelique Kerber in Court No 1 in the Fourth Round. Both players are renowned for their high pitched shrieks that will send the decibel levels soaring with every serve, backhand and volley.

Sharapova, 27, has been known to smash through 100dB(A) on previous occasions and is widely recognised as Queen of the Shriek.

But Kerber, 26, of Germany is no lightweight when it comes to the noise-making department. Her trademark sound is a throaty grunt.

Experts in the past have said that Sharapova’s shriek is nearest to an A6 note — an octave above a soprano singer. The Russian’s 2009 record of 105 decibels is said to be equivalent to standing 3ft from a chainsaw.

“Fortunately the noise levels are only for an instant and so it’s unlikely to cause any lasting discomfort to those lucky enough to have Wimbledon tickets” said Cirrus Research Marketing Manager James Tingay.  “I doubt anyone will be asking for a refund if the noise levels get too loud!”

Other shriekers down to play on Court One this week include Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic who faces Sabine Lisicki. The German player has in the past complained about excessive noise coming from her opponents. Formidable sisters Serena and Venus Williams, who have been known to make synchronised sounds on court when they are playing together, will meet Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele in the doubles.

The grunt-o-meter was actually introduced after Monica Seles caused such a stir during her tennis reign in the 1990s and was threatened with fines by Wimbledon if she didn’t tone down her unique two tone grunt. Other female big hitters in the noise stakes over the years include:

  1. Maria Sharapova, 105 dB(A)
  2. Michelle Larcher De Brito (dBA level unconfirmed but seen as Sharapova’s Heir apparent)
  3. Monica Seles, 93.2 dB(A)
  4. Serena Williams, 88.9 dB(A)
  5. Venus Williams, 85 dB(A)
  6. Victoria Azarenka, 83.5 dB(A)
  7. Elena Bovina, 81 dB(A)
  8. Anna Kournikova, 78.5 dB(A)
  9. Kim Clijsters, 75 dB(A)
  10. Elena Dementieva, 73 dB(A)

Although we can’t offer a grunt-o-meter, we can provide a wide range of sound level meters and noise dosimeters to help you monitor and manage noise levels in the workplace.

Jaymee-lee Tolliday

Marketing Executive at Cirrus Research plc

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