Tennis veteran Monica Seles, above in 1990, is credited with introducing "screaming" to the game

"What is clear from experts is that it would have a clear, damaging effect on performance of the existing generation," Allaster admitted.

While court legends Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova welcomed the WTA's decision, some critics pointed out that the lack of such legislation for male players - the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic being among known "grunters" - created further division in a sport that has been criticised for its gender pay gap.

In March Stylist launched the Fair Game Campaign to stop sexism in sport and is awaiting a response from the Culture, Media and Sport select committee on its petition requesting an inquiry into issues of gender inequality.

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Words: Anna Pollitt. Pictures: Rex Features

Women's tennis faces grunt ban