Serena's US Open Row Sees Australian Open Pondering Coaching Rule Change
Serena Williams’ row with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during the 2018 US Open women’s singles final has forced the Australian Open to review the rules about on-court coaching — the main reason for the American’s meltdown — ahead of the tournament in 2019.
The organizers of the first Grand Slam of the year are working toward determining if coaching during a match will be allowed during the tournament after the issue led to Williams receiving a code violation during the US Open.
The 23-time women’s singles Grand Slam champion was given a code violation by Ramos early in the second set during her 6-4, 6-2 loss to Naomi Osaka when he saw Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou making hand gestures toward his player. She was then handed a second violation for smashing her racket, which automatically brought a point penalty.
Williams refused to accept the penalty arguing the coaching violation was uncalled for as she has never cheated. The American continued the tirade and went on to call Ramos a "thief" and a "liar" which saw her pick up her third violation and get a game penalty.
Williams went into complete meltdown after the incident and went on to accuse the chair umpire of sexism, which turned into a massive row that overshadowed Osaka becoming the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam. A number of former and current players got involved in the row with contrasting opinions.
Coaching while the player is on court is not permitted at Grand Slam tournaments, but the WTA Tour allows it during other events. On-court coaching is prohibited in all men’s matches on the ATP Tour.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has urged the various tennis bodies to re-visit the on-court coaching regulation and make a firm ruling as to its usability during tournaments. He feels the players and the fans are confused as to when it is permitted or not.
"We're getting the global governing bodies -- the ATP, WTA and ITF -- and the grand slams together to talk about our approach to coaching," Tiley told reporters at an event for next year's opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, as quoted on ESPN. "I think it's really important that it's consistent so fans and players don't get confused on it so hopefully in the coming weeks we are able to make an announcement on our position."
Tiley made it clear the Australian Open want to lead the way in any breakthrough that occurs in terms of the on-court coaching rule, and revealed that the players they have spoken to are also seeking clarity on the matter.
"We've had a team out there interviewing them and the players too want some consistency on coaching and we'd like to be able to lead the way on that," the Australian Open tournament director added.
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