Serena Williams Reveals the Story Behind Her On-Court Grunt

Serena Williams, the tennis powerhouse known for her fierce grunts on the court, recently revealed the inspiration behind her signature battle cry. In a candid interview on “Hot Ones,” Williams shared that she adopted the grunting style from her childhood idol, Monica Seles, a former world number one player.

Growing up, Williams admired Seles’ unique grunt and decided to incorporate it into her own game. Over the years, the grunt has become second nature to Williams, so much so that she finds herself grunting even when playing golf.

During the interview, Williams also reflected on one of the most intense matches of her career – the 2003 Australian Open final against her sister Venus. The pressure was high as Serena had the chance to secure a historic “Serena Slam” by winning four Grand Slam titles in a row.

Recalling the match, Williams admitted that Venus played exceptionally well and had opportunities to clinch the victory. However, a crucial missed shot by Venus ultimately shifted the momentum in Serena’s favor, leading to a hard-fought victory.

The revelation of the origin of Serena Williams’ iconic grunt adds a new layer to her on-court persona, showcasing the influence of her tennis idols and the evolution of her playing style over the years.