Nadal coach is already complaining
New rule divides the tennis world!
To coach or not to coach – that is the question. The ATP wants to create clarity. Coaches are allowed to help their players on the court until the end of the year. Not everyone is enthusiastic about it.
An absurdity – or is it already part of it? Coaching during tennis games creates a lot of excitement. When it comes to this topic, many will think of the father-son team Tsitsipas or the scandal surrounding Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open final. The ATP announced a new measure this week: coaching is allowed. This creates another division in the tennis world.
The test attempt, which also takes place during the US Open, will start on July 11th – immediately after the Wimbledon final. The coaches are allowed to give their players tips until the end of the year. But there are a few requirements.
- The running game must not be disturbed. Thus, coaching is only allowed between rallies.
- Coaches must be seated in a designated seat.
- Verbal tips are only allowed if the player is on the same side as the coach.
- Nonverbal help may always be sent.
- A conversation must not arise from this, the coaching must be limited to instructions.
- If a player leaves the court, the coach must not contact him.
- Penalties and fines for misuse of the coaching conditions remain in place.
Coaching question sparks discussion
So far, it was up to the referee to decide how far coaching could go. However, the ATP project does not seem to calm everyone’s minds. Rafael Nadal’s coach, Carlos Moya (45), speaks out against coaching at Eurosport: “What makes tennis a special sport is the fact that it’s the only sport where you compete alone against another – without outside help.”
Nick Kyrgios (27) blows the same horn on Twitter and asks a question: “What happens when a high-quality player competes against a low-ranked player who does not have a coach or cannot afford one?”
Mouratoglou welcomes it
Serena Williams’ successful coach, Patrick Mouratoglou (52), sees it differently: “Congratulations to the ATP for the ‘legalization’ of a practice that has been used in almost every game for decades. No more hypocrisy.”
However, the ATP is not breaking new ground in the tennis circus. The attempt is already underway on the WTA tour. The players are allowed to have their coaches come onto the court and have a brief chat with them. (smi)
