Two-time grand slam champion Petra Kvitova believes the use of on-court coaching on the WTA Tour isn’t helping top players during matches.
The rule, which allows coaches to talk with players between games during matches, has been allowed on the women’s tour since 2009. It was introduced in a bid to make matches more engaging for viewers. However, on-court coaching is currently prohibited in both grand slams and on the ATP Tour.
“I think for some players it’s very helpful,. Sometimes, for me, sometimes I use it, sometimes not. It depends on my mood and my thoughts.” Kvitova said following her fourth round win at the Miami Open.
“These are the days where we do have it in the WTA but not in the Grand Slams. That’s probably the biggest difference that we have.”
Despite acknowledging its benefits, the Czech is more sceptical about how much of an impact it has on the best players in the world. Arguing that at that level, players already know what to do during matches.
“I don’t think it’s helping the top players.” She said. “I think top players are there because they kind of know what to do if anything is happening.”
“But of course there is, like, a time when it’s helping, too.”
When questioned if on-court coaching has helped her turned matches around, Kvitova admitted that ‘sometimes’ it has. However, she went on to say that she believes it ‘isn’t a big deal.’
In recent months there has been a debate over whether on-court coaching should be extended to grand slam tournaments. Patrick Mouratoglou, who is the mentor of Serena Williams, is a vocal supporter. Last year the Frenchman said in a statement that it would ‘improve tennis.’ Arguing that the sport would appeal to a wider and younger audience.
“It is time tennis leaders amend the status of coaching,” Mouratoglou wrote. “If we don’t get people involved, then tennis is only ever going to be followed by pure tennis lovers.
“We need to show the viewers the personalities of the people they are watching.”
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens is another supporter. Pointing out that coaching from the stands occurs during matches. A practice that is technically illegal during major tournaments and on the men’s tour. Stephens lost in the third round of the Miami Open earlier this week.
“I think that a lot of coaching does happen from the stands, anyway,” Stephens told reporters during the 2018 WTA Finals. “Whether it’s right, wrong, whatever, I think that coaching is a big part of tennis, and you’re out there alone. You know, a lot goes into it behind the scenes, preparation and everything.
“So I think that I can’t say definitely there should be or should not be, but I think there needs to be a little bit of a change to the rule, definitely.”
At present, no grand slam tournament is yet to indicate that they will change their policy regarding coaching in the near future.
