Colombian  tennis player María Camila Osorio explained during an interview on Los 40 Colombia on Monday, October 19, 2026, that on-court grunting serves a practical physical function by helping athletes release air, reduce muscular tension, and generate greater shot power.

Osorio, speaking from her professional experience rather than scientific research, noted that expelling air at the moment of impact allows shots to flow with increased speed and velocity. “To make the shots come out with more force,” she said between laughs, adding that failing to release that tension can restrict a player’s power output on the court. Additional reporting corroborated the details of the October 19 interview, noting that the 24-year-old athlete emphasized how exhalation prevents a player from feeling physically contained during high-intensity rallies.

How Breathing Mechanics Influence Shot Power

 Tennis strokes demand precise coordination between leg movement, core rotation, arm acceleration, and respiratory control. Osorio described the vocalized exhalation not as an artificial tactic, but as a natural component of physical effort. According to the statements reported by Infobae and La Veintitres, hitting a ball without expelling air leaves the body feeling restricted, which directly curtails the speed of the stroke.

While acknowledging the absence of formal studies on the physiological effects of grunting, Osorio maintained that the sensation of unhindered airflow helps maintain rhythm during fast-paced exchanges. When facing opponents with greater physical stature and reach, the Colombian competitor explained that she must rely heavily on tactical variety. “I have to play with my head,” she noted, highlighting the need to find open spaces, vary shot selection, and manage pressure during critical moments.

Early Sacrifices and Professional Milestone Development

Osorio’s path to the Women’s Tennis Association tour involved relocating to the United States at age 11 to train and study, an environment where initial language barriers and separation from her family created early hurdles. She admitted during the broadcast that missing out on standard adolescent experiences was difficult, stating, “I think I missed out on that,” though she expressed no regret for choosing a professional athletic career.

Her junior career established a strong foundation for the professional circuit, highlighted by her victory at the 2019 US Open junior tournament, which earned her the No. 1 ranking in the International Tennis Federation junior standings. In 2021, she secured a wildcard entry to the WTA 250 tournament in Bogotá to capture her first professional singles title. Shortly thereafter, a semifinal run at the Belgrade tournament pushed her inside the top 100 of the WTA rankings. She has since competed across major venues, including appearances at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympic Games, and the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open against former world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.