The All England Club is keeping an open mind about the possibility of allowing on-court coaching in the future, according to its chairman.
Phillip Brook has told BBC Sport that the tournament is willing to look into the topic following the controversy which occurred during the US Open women’s final. Serena Williams engaged in a heated argument with umpire Carlos Ramos after she received a coaching violation. At the time the 37-year-old stated that she was not receiving any coaching. Although her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, told ESPN that he was after the match. Prompting Williams to later clarify the remarks by saying that she shared ‘no signals’ with Mouratoglou.
“What we would like to learn from those who have conducted trials is: ‘Persuade us why it is a good idea,” Brook told BBC Sport.
“The situation is very confusing for everybody.
“Wimbledon and others think the time has come for an adult conversation across the sport to see where it goes.”
On-court coaching has been used on the WTA Tour since 2009. However, it remains prohibited on the ATP Tour and in the main draws of all four grand slam events. The only exception is the US Open, which allows coaching from the stands during their qualifying tournament.
There is an ongoing debate over whether grand slams should be following suit to that of the WTA. Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko has said that there needs to be consistency. Calling for the rule to be applied at all tournaments or not at all.
“I don’t know if there is any point of using it on the WTA Tour if you can’t use it in grand slams because in grand slams you have to play on your own.” The Latvian recently told reporters at the Korean Open.
“I think they need to do same in all the tournaments. Either allow (on-court) coaching at all tournaments or no coaching at all.” She added.
The possibility of Wimbledon changing their rules is by no means a certainty. Instead, Brooks has called for other governing bodies in tennis to illustrate why such a move is required. Wimbledon has an extensive reputation of being traditional. Meaning that any potential change comes under heavy scrutiny. Earlier this year, the committee of The All England Club said they would look into using a fifth set tiebreaker for the first time.
“We [Wimbledon] are not necessarily the easiest of people to deal with,” Brook said.
“People might say, ‘Shall we all vote for coaching, it’s good for the sport’. We will say no, but if the rest of the sport say we want to do it and there are good reasons, then maybe Wimbledon should fit in.”
This year’s Wimbledon Championships was won by Angelique Kerber and Novak Djokovic.
