Share

Fed no fan of on-court coaching

Indian Wells - Roger Federer, something of a tennis purist, hopes the innovation of on-court coaching adopted on the WTA Tour doesn't come to men's tennis.

"If it does happen, it's hopefully after I'm done playing," the 17-time Grand Slam champion said Thursday after booking his semi-final berth at Indian Wells, where the ATP Masters tournament is combined with a WTA event.

"I really don't think it's necessary. I don't think it's fair maybe, because not everybody can afford a coach ....it's just not right."

The WTA has allowed limited on-court coaching since 2009, with players able to call for their coaches at one changeover per set, and between sets.

It isn't allowed in Grand Slam tournaments, and Federer conjured a dire picture of what could happen if the ATP Tour adopted a similar rule.

"We'll see girlfriends walking out, we'll see parents walking out. It's not going to be pretty," said Federer, who was also wary of the Hawkeye electronic line call review system when it was introduced.

The subject of coaching came up after Thursday's WTA quarter-final clash between Flavia Pennetta and Sloane Stephens, in which Pennetta, up a set and 5-4, called her coach out for a chat on the changeover and promptly dropped three games and the set.

"Clearly when the coach comes on and they go on a losing streak, that wasn't helpful," Federer said with a smile.

Mainly, however, Federer said he believed that the individual nature of the sport was part of its attraction.

"It's cool to figure it out yourself," Federer said. "You can look over to your coach for comfort and support, but other than that, I think tennis should be one of those unique sports where you don't get coaching."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE