Yahoo News 'Barry White of tennis': Umpire with soothing voice melts hearts at Wimbledon
A French umpire has emerged as the unlikely hero of this year's Wimbledon with his deep baritone earning him a growing cult following among tennis fans.
Kader Nouni's honeyed voice has earned him the mantle of the "Barry White of tennis" among his predominantly female fan base as he adjudicates some of the tournament's showpiece courts.
Nouni first attracted attention during Johanna Konta's gripping second-round match against Donna Vekic, with spectators showing their appreciation for his voice and its similarity to the late Grammy Award winner.
But with his pairing of a crisp contrast-collar shirt and sunglasses, the Frenchman is already something of a celebrity within the tennis world and seems to enjoy his status as one of the coolest umpires in the business.
Nouni, from Perpignan in southern France, began his umpire career at the age of 15 at his local tennis club. By the age of 16, he was a linesman in the French Open.
Since 2005, the smartly-dressed umpire has been a professional referee in ATP and WTA tournaments down to the level of Grand Slams.
Fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for his seductive tones:
Have a feeling Konta and Vekic are deliberately prolonging this match just to hear Kader Nouni say 'love' again and again #Wimbledon
— Simon (@SimonBerney) July 5, 2017
Kader Nouni's voice in the background is very soothing. Feel he's about to sing some Barry White classic next
— Josh Kitto (@cromulentjosh) July 5, 2017
His name is Kader Nouni - and I think he should be the voice on the telephone speaking clock we have in the UK!
— David Blanchard (@DGB259) July 11, 2017
The comparisons to singers have only increased since Nouni was captured on camera singing along to Michael Jackson during a break in proceedings.
Fans praised his voice, with one describing it as being "like drowning in a vat of chocolate, golden syrup and fine brandy":
I want Kader Nouni to umpire/narrate my life. Such a sweet baritone on Centre Court. #Wimbledon
— Amy (@BlessAmysHeart) July 11, 2017
Wow, Kader Nouni. To describe his voice, think drowning in a vat of chocolate, golden syrup and fine brandy!
— Janet Pycroft (@H0gg1t) July 11, 2017
Can Kader Nouni come round my house and just, like, talk to me forever? Please? #Wimbledon
— Sarah Kutschera (@NotSoWittyUN) July 11, 2017
Britain's Wimbledon hopes rest on Johanna Konta after defending champion Andy Murray crashed out of the tournament.
Konta will play five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams second on Centre Court, as she continues her bid to become the first British woman to win the title in 40 years.
The 26-year-old is the last Briton standing in the singles competition after Murray lost his quarter-final battle against Sam Querrey.
Konta became the first British woman to reach the semi-finals since Virginia Wade in 1978 after holding her nerve in a nail-biting three-set match on Tuesday.
