Roger Federer opposes on-court coaching in tennis

Roger Federer

Roger Federer prefers to retain the old school practice of having no on-court coaching in tennis, as he revealed to the press at the ongoing BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Federer, self-admittedly, always tries to bridge the gap between the traditional and the modern in the sport, but on this front he is decisively in favour of the traditional.

Federer said that he hopes on-court coaching will not come to men’s tennis, at least not while he’s still playing.

“If it does happen, it’s hopefully after I’m done playing,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion said after booking his semifinal berth at Indian Wells.

The women’s tour allows limited on-court coaching in WTA tournaments, with the players having an option to call their coaches at one changeover per set, and between sets.

“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,” Federer added.

The Swiss maestro thinks that it if the ATP decides to adopt on-court coaching it would lead to chaos.

“We’ll see girlfriends walking out, we’ll see parents walking out. It’s not going to be pretty,” said Federer.

The issue was brought into focus in yesterday’s quarterfinal match between Flavia Pennetta and Sloane Stephens. Pennetta called her coach out in the second set of the match, and then promptly went on to lose three straight games.

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

However, Federer made it clear that the main reason behind him opposing the idea is that on-court coaching would take away from the individual nature of tennis.

“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.”