Patrick Mouratoglou makes case for legalizing coaching

After the US Open final—which Serena Williams lost to Naomi Osaka by way of three code violations kicked off by a coaching warning—her coach has spoken. Patrick Mourataglou, a world-renowned figure in the sport posted a lengthy statement on Twitter.

Since 2008, the WTA has allowed for players to call their coaches to the court during changeovers. Mouratoglou made four main arguments in favor of legalizing coaching on a grander scale.

1

Coaching deserves to be recognized and valued.

2

Because tennis is the only sport where coaching isn’t front and center.

3

Because on-court coaching helps increase the quality of the sporting show and resolves a lot of issues our sport is facing.

4

Finally, because it’s time to stop the hypocrisy surrounding coaching.

His statement received mixed responses, to say the least, and Mouratoglou responded to many of the comments.

His main argument is not hinging on Williams' specific violation in New York, but instead on the bigger picture. Williams never even takes advantage of the on-court coaching option at non-Slam events. He believes on-court coaching at all tournaments can enhance the game and make it to appealing to a greater crowd.

“It is time tennis leaders amend the status of coaching,” Mouratoglou writes. “It is time to authorize and structure...Practices that have been tolerated all over the world for decades. This, I believe, would ensure that tennis sustains its development.”

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