Serena Williams, On-Court Coaching Debate: Wilander, Seles Against, Wozniacki Lends Support

Serena Williams’ meltdown during her loss at the 2018 US Open women’s singles final against Naomi Osaka started a debate about on-court coaching and despite the tournament ending on Sept. 9, the topic continues to be discussed by former and current players.

The American, who was seeking her record-equaling 24th women’s singles Grand Slam title, was given a code violation for on-court coaching early in the second set. She received two further code violations during her 6-2, 6-4 loss but it was the on-court coaching penalty that triggered the outburst that led to Williams calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos a thief and a liar amid claims of sexism.

The entire episode overshadowed what was 20-year-old Osaka’s greatest triumph and started a major debate about sexism in the sport and the question with regard to on-court coaching — should it be allowed or not.

Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou confirmed after the match that he was coaching his player during the US Open final and has since gone on to justify why tennis authorities should introduce the rule that allows coaching during matches.

However, everyone is not in agreement with the French coach’s views with former players Monica Seles and Mats Wilander against the idea of on-court coaching while world number three Caroline Wozniacki came out in support of the coaching rule.

Seles, a former world number one, believes that a player at the top of their game should be able to think for themselves and not depend on the coach even when they are on the court.

“My feeling is, as a former player, I personally don’t like the on-court coaching. I think as a player at the highest level in your profession, you should be able to think for yourself. My dad always used to say before I stepped on court two things: ‘Move your feet and think,'” Seles said, as quoted on Tennis World USA.

Wilander, also a former world number one and seven-time men’s singles Grand Slam winner, agreed with Seles, but went one step further and questioned Mouratoglou’s abilities as a coach. He believes that the coach’s role ends when a player enters the court.

“Tennis is a sport where you learn to solve problems. You are alone. And if we abolish the on-court coaching, suddenly you cannot think with your mind anymore,” Wilander said, also quoted on Tennis World USA. “He (Mouratoglou) is wrong. If there is a problem, like Serena and many others say, between men and women... then the problem starts in his corner. Even if he did not play professional tennis. Tennis is a solving problem between two people. Coach's role ends when players head into the court. If you as coach did not teach enough to your player, then you are not a good coach.”

Wozniacki, meanwhile, was very straightforward with her answer and put it across in very simple terms as to why on-court coaching can be allowed in tennis.

“I think basically all sports have on-court coaching or have coaching, so I don’t see why not in tennis,” the Danish tennis star said during a recent interview in Singapore where the WTA Finals are underway, as per WWOS.