Tennis fans are well-familiar: At the 2018 U.S. Open final, a ref majorly penalized Serena Williams when her coach gestured to her from the stands. Soon afterwards, she lost the match -- NYT
Men’s tennis has long banned coaching during matches. But that’s changing. Tennis.com reports that as of mid-July the ATP will allow limited coaching at all ATP events, as well as at the U.S. Open -- for a limited trial period
Coaching is already allowed on the women’s tour, but not at Grand Slams, says Tennishold.com
Former world #1 Andy Roddick doesn’t like the rule change. Many players can’t pay to have their coaches travel. What about them?
Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya is “totally against” the change for a different reason, reports Tennishead. He says it’s like a student taking an exam. Sure, the teacher preps you -- but you have to pass the test on your own!
Nick Kyrgios, who doesn’t even have a coach, agrees. Figuring it all out on your own is part of “the beauty” of tennis
But doubles legend Pam Shriver likes the rule change. Jim Courier, on the other hand, thinks it’s super lame -- Firstsportz.com
Tennis.com says the move is about integrity -- coaches have been blatantly violating the rule for years!
Djokovic figures that since it’s already happening it might as well be allowed, but he gets why some want to stick with tradition
Tennishead looks at it from a PR standpoint: Allowing coaching could help the sport! Fans might get to know the players better
But McEnroe thinks the debate is about a whole lot of nothing -- who cares?! Players don’t listen to their coaches anyway -- Tennisnow.com