Greg Rusedski has raised questions about the clarity of Ivan Ljubicic’s dual role as a coach for Felix Auger-Aliassime and a consultant to the FFT president, according to tennisworldde.com. Ljubicic, who began working with the Canadian player in early October, also advises FFT president Gilles Moretton. Rusedski specifically questioned, “How will this work when Auger-Aliassime faces a French player?” highlighting potential conflicts of interest in match scenarios.
The FFT stated that Ljubicic’s contract permits individual player coaching on the ATP or WTA Tour, deeming the arrangement permissible. However, Rusedski emphasized the need for practical clarity on how responsibilities will be managed during tournaments. The federation acknowledged the formal approval but noted that “clear expectations” about roles and loyalty remain essential for players.
Rusedski Questions Dual Role Clarity
Rusedski’s concerns focus on the operational challenges of Ljubicic’s dual responsibilities. While the FFT confirms the contract allows such arrangements, the coach’s inquiry underscores the importance of defining boundaries to avoid ambiguity. A clear separation of duties, according to the federation, could mitigate potential conflicts before they arise.
FFT Confirms Contractual Permissiveness
The French Tennis Federation affirmed that Ljubicic’s agreement does not prohibit his work with ATP/WTA players. This formal approval, however, does not resolve practical uncertainties.
Ljubicic’s appointment follows Auger-Aliassime’s departure from long-time coach Frederic Fontang, seeking new guidance to advance his career. The player’s previous experience with Toni Nadal, whose loyalty to Rafael Nadal sparked discussion during the 2022 French Open, adds context to the current scrutiny. The FFT’s statement noted that while the arrangement is permissible, “organizational debates” must not overshadow on-court progress.
