Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has called for changes to the rules, including a ban on players grunting during rallies.

The American was attending the ITF Annual Awards dinner in Paris, where she was presented with the sport's highest accolade, the Philippe Chatrier Award.

After receiving the award, Navratilova, who enjoyed a 33-year career as a professional in the sport, outlined her thoughts to players and officials on how the game could progress.

Her main problem was with players that regularly make loud noises when hitting the ball.

"I think we can all agree that the grunting, screeching, screaming needs to come to an end," she said.

"It is annoying, it can be a hindrance, it is completely unnecessary. If it was necessary, everybody would be doing it. I don't hear Roger Federer making any noises when he's playing and he's hitting the ball pretty hard I think."

She added: "I think I would really like to see that rule enforced because the umpires have the power."

The 52-year-old's other proposals included a limit on bouncing the ball before serves, and ball tosses not struck by the player being called as a fault.

She also said the standardisation of tennis balls and hard court surfaces were also required to help prevent injuries to players, while less complicated rules regarding sponsorship on clothing could bring more money to the game

All of the changes she concluded were because of her love of tennis.

"I promise you I love this sport more than anything and I will keep continuing doing my part in helping the game improve and hope you all will do your part as well," she said.

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