In a sport where it seems obligatory for no one to agree, the US Open has gone out on a limb this year by introducing coaching from the stands in its qualifying rounds. Any player struggling with their technique or tactics can look up to the sidelines between points and ask what they are doing wrong.
It is a reform that other tournaments have found it difficult to swallow.
“The view of the All England Club is that tennis should be a gladiatorial contest,” said Richard Lewis, the Wimbledon chief executive. “When players receive coaching during matches, whether through visits at changeovers or conversations from the stands, we believe that it detracts from the essence of the sport.”
As the debate…
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