By Jim White
He happened upon Maria Sharapova warming up on a side court. And while she was smacking the ball with her usual broad-shouldered venom, something seemed to be missing.
It was only when he saw her in action later that he realised what it was: she practises in silence and the trademark squealing is only unleashed once an opponent heaves into view.
Which rather confirms the opinion of those like Martina Navratilova, who reckon the grunt is wholly the product of gamesmanship, emitted to disguise the noise of ball on racket, a sound which gives a rival clue to how much spin has been applied.
In fact de Brito has taken it to a new decibel level. She emits an extraordinary banshee scream, a high-pitched burglar alarm of a wail that continues from the moment she hits the ball until it strikes her opponent's racket.
On court, it really does sound as if she is doing an impression of a Formula One car screeching round Silverstone.
If the pair meet in SW19, the All England Club had better brace itself for complaints about the noise from as far away as Dorking.
And, unless they wish to face a crippling group action from spectators deafened by the ridiculous squawking, they should be ready to issue ear plugs as a matter of course.
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