Tennis is still the only sport where coaching is not allowed in all events. It is involved in all the team competitions and is still “under experiment” in WTA tournaments. It was also introduced at US OPEN in qualification rounds.
There is an ongoing debate that is polarized in two groups. Traditionalists think that a tennis player should stay alone during entire match, while modernists claim that the new rule would bring benefit rather than damage.
Take a look at the fragment of Georges Goven’s coaching to Alize Cornet:
Even though this conversation is in French and the most of the people around the world don’t understand what they are talking about, it is interesting, intense and brings drama that is a magnet for spectators.
In the next video Sam Sumyk is not managing to approach his player, Garbine Muguruza, leaving watchers with thoughts “What will happen next?”:
It is just so exciting to analyze how a professional player deals with the toughest moments in a match and to be a witness of their relationship with a coach in those moments.
We all need to consider that the popularity of tennis will drop significantly after 4 best players in the history of this sport retire, Roger, Rafa, Novak and Serena (they are all in their 30s). On-court coaching can help in those struggling moments in the way that it adds excitement along with revealing personality of players and coaches. In the same time it can help players to bring the quality of the match to the higher level.
The tradition should be kept in some way, since it would be really inadequate if coach remains seated at player’s bench for entire match like in Davis Cup and Federation Cup. One call per set, like it is happening in WTA tournaments is just enough.
On the other side, the fact that the coach will have a chance to change the course of a match, like after this inspiring coaching of Philippe Dehaes annoys many:
Why would tennis remain the only sport where a player is not allowed to communicate with a coach in all events? Does coaching that they receive from time to time make Tom Brady, Lebron James or Lionel Messi weaker or less worth?! Would few short coachings per match really ruin this sport or it would bring substantial benefits?
“Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a basketball player, tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player.” – Bill Gates
I think on-court coaching should only be allowed starting from a certain level. I’ve noticed that a lot of players trying to climb the professional ladder or even compete in national competitions have a huge advantage when they bring a coach. What if you’re a player who can’t afford to pay for a coach? So is tennis pay to win? Well I believe in a certain way it is, but then again… if you’re good enough, you can beat anyone you. Look at Kyrgios vs Nadal!
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Yes, I agree with your point. What I wanted to put the focus on is the on-court coaching at bigger events that can be broadcasted and that can popularize this sport even more.
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