Caroline Wozniacki backs on-court coaching in Grand Slams
2018 Australian Open winner, Caroline Wozniacki has supported the idea of on-court coaching in Grand Slams. Women's world number three, Caroline, feels that the on-court inputs of her coach and father Piotr Wozniacki have been highly beneficial. The on-court coaching issue was first highlighted by the coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou. He believes that it should be allowed across all events.
Wozniacki asks why a pertinent question
On-court coaching is allowed in Women's Tennis Association tournaments but it's banned in Grand Slams. According to the AFP, Wozniacki said, "I think basically all sports have on-court coaching or have coaching, so I don't see why not in tennis." Earlier, Serena's coach had stated that coaching goes on all the time and thinking otherwise is plain hypocrisy.
Wozniacki has come out in support of on-court coaching
The Dane has come out in support of her father's on-court tutelage. "I just try and get the information that he feels I may need. That's why I don't really talk much. I just kind of absorb. And then I have my own opinion, as well," she said. The Women's Tennis Association had introduced on-court coaching, way back in 2009.
'Mid-match coaching in tennis needs to be authorized'
A week back, Serena's coach Patrick Mouratoglou had stated that mid-match coaching in the game needs to be authorized. He felt that this would help in the development of the sport. "Authorizing coaching in competition and actually staging it so that the viewers can enjoy it as a show would ensure it remains pivotal in the sport," he had posted on Twitter.
Stars like Djokovic feel it is a good move
On-court coaching has received mixed reviews. Many players feel it is a step going forward, with several others not being sure about the same. Men's singles star Djokovic had also backed the idea of on-court coaching and felt that tennis is the only sport that doesn't use coaching during the play. "I thought it was a good move for the sport," he said.
What does the WTA rule state?
The rule states that if a player is on the side of his/her box, the coaching team can have a conversation with the player only between points. If player is on the other side, then a sign language can be used. As per Women's Tennis Association, a player can call the coach to court once during a set or during the opponent's medical break.
Microphones, headsets were also introduced
Meanwhile, conversations via microphones and headsets were introduced. It was tried out at few selective tournaments. The US Open also incorporated the same last year during qualifying matches. It also plans to take a step forward and introduce the same in the main rounds as well. The CEO of Women's Tennis Association is in favor of the same after receiving positive feedback.
