It's how you say it

In hockey, they beat the crap out of each other.

In soccer, they sometimes stomp on each other.

Now picture the restrained Justine Henin or the lovely Anna Kornikova engaging in such behavior.

Girlfighting runs a broad spectrum between "Bitch I will cut you!" and "You're wearing mauve to the gala?" (tight smile, lots of teeth).

Tennis generally reflects style #2. (See: Federer, Roger; monogram) Serena Williams taps into a little bit more of style #1. And it makes people just a little bit uncomfortable.

An interesting take on the situation...