Acceptable and Unacceptable

Not Just Another Vika Noise Complaint

So Victoria Azarenka displayed some impressive tennis in a thrilling three-set match against Venus Williams today. The conversation about Azarenka's shriek is nothing new. However, I have been noticing something in the matches this past week that has been bothering me.

Take a look at the shot of the day and see if you notice it too.

http://www.wtatennis.com/videos/article/4523026/title/doha-shot-of-the-day-friday

During the last down the line shot, Azarenka makes a noise that differs from her normal shriek and signifies that she thinks her ball is going out. I am not arguing that Venus would have made it to the ball, but I do think that she stopped playing because the off-noise was the equivalent of an out call.

The argument can be made that she made the noise not because she hit the ball poorly but because she fell. I have two comments to that. 1). If this were a one time offense I would not have such a large problem with it; however, I have noticed it in several of Azarenka's matches this week against Kerber and Wozniacki. It bothered me during both of those matches, but then when I saw it happen against Venus and I started to feel as though its becoming more a form of purposeful gamesmanship. [We all know that Azarenka is not below going to those measures to win a match - IE - Australian Open Semi-Final 2013 vs. Sloane Stephens]. 2). If, as a player, you are choosing to have such a pronounced [and controversial grunt] the grunt should remain consistent and if it does not it should be considered a form of player interference. If Serena Williams can get an interference violation [2011 US Open vs. Stosur] for shouting encouragingly during a point, then this should definitely be considered a distraction. With so much discussion about ways to regulate grunts, regulating that they stay consistent and do not interfere with the opponents play by being inconsistent is an easy way to begin creating changes. Point being, this tactic of throwing off opponents and then winning the point is not acceptable and something needs to be done so that it stops.

In any case, it is not hard to imagine who I am rooting for in the final tomorrow.

Prediction:

Azarenka v. Safarova
Safarova has been playing incredible tennis lately, in part because she has worked to add spin to her traditionally flat game. That being said, this match-up strongly favors Azarenka as she leads the head-to-head 6-0. The strange part about this head-to-head is that for two veteran players who have played so many times, they have not played since 2011. Their last match in 2011 was on clay and did go three sets. Additionally, they were different players at the time. Azarenka was ranked 5th in the world while Safarova was drifting in the low 30's. Now, Safarova is a consistent top 20 player fighting her way towards the top 10 and Azarenka is just coming back from injury. Is this new Safarova mature enough to defeat Azarenka? It is clear to say that I hope so, but I also think that Azarenka is playing amazing tennis and it will be a difficult task.

How will the fact that this is a final effect things? Safarova is a nervous 5-7 in WTA Finals while Azarenka is a much more experienced 17-15 [but an impressive 16-8 on hard courts].

Prediction: Azarenka defeats Safarova in three sets.