Former world No.1 Chris Evert has spoken out against calls from some players and coaches for on-court coaching to be implemented at grand slam events.
There continues to be an ongoing debate about the topic and if it should be applied to all tournaments in the sport. As it currently stands, on-court coaching is only allowed on the WTA Tour. Meanwhile, the ATP has only tested the initiative at the Next Gen finals where players could communicate with their coaches via headset.
“I loved it the way it’s going now with the WTA. I think it’s great for TV and it’s great for the game.” Evert told reporters in Singapore on Saturday.
Arguments for the use of on-court coaching has intensified since a dramatic US Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. Williams was given a warning for receiving coaching during the match, but argued with the umpire that she did no such thing. To add to the confusion Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, told ESPN he was coaching during the match (via hand signals). Although those comments were later retracted. Mouratoglou has since published a statement calling for the practice to be used at grand slams. Arguing that ‘it would attract new people to tennis.’ A perspective that Evert disagree with.
“With Grand Slams, I’m a little more reserved about that, because I do feel that you have to problem-solve yourself.” Said Evert, who won 18 grand slam singles titles.
“If I was assured that it would bring more viewership and more spectators and it would enhance the sport of tennis, I would be all for on-court coaching. But I’m not convinced that it’s going to change the dial at all four Grand Slams.
“I think people will tune in to watch Grand Slams because they are Grand Slams and because everybody is playing and because they are really special. So I would prefer to keep the tradition and not have it.”
There appears to be a split amongst players about if on-court coaching should be used or not at the majors. Sloane Stephens and Caroline Wozniacki has both expressed their backing for it to be implemented. However, Karolina Pliskova is against the idea and even went as far as saying she would ‘cancel it’ at all tournaments.
The US Open is the only grand slam that currently permits a form of coaching during matches. Although their rules are only applicable to qualifying and junior tournaments. The Australian Open has previously said that they are currently looking into the possibility of implementing on-court coaching.
On-court coaching has been allowed on the WTA Tour since 2009.
