It's the second set, Maria Sharapova is up 5-3 against Amelie Mauresmo (having lost the first set to her) in her women's semifinal match; John McEnroe just noticed that Miss Sharapova does not have to grunt after each hit--she was silent for the last two hits of a point. Monica Seles is quiet compared to Maria Sharapova--it's unfortunate that Miss Seles retired, she was one of the few who used a double-handed grip. There is speculation as to whether the tournament officials will make a statement about making noises during a game--this afternoon the commentators were explaining that it's a question of sportsmanship, since vocal sounds cover up the sound the racket makes when it makes contact with the ball, and it used to be that players depended on hearing that noise because it would give them some kind of idea of how the ball was hit and where it might be going. Miss Mauresmo makes some grunts as well, but they're not as loud. 5 years ago there were complaints about Miss Seles, whose grunts were deemed to be 'unfeminine' by people in certain venues. I don't think I've seen any comments like that made recently; perhaps attitudes are changing.
No Americans in the singles finals this year.
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