For quite some time now, there has been a discussion about changes in the rules and game modes in men’s tennis and ATP. However, the tournament organizers in Wimbledon are spreading against a change in the course of events.
The WTA does it, the NextGen Finals in Milan did it. The active coaching during the matches is allowed in the women’s team and the coach may also visit the player at her place on the court. NextGen stars Andrey Rublev and Co. the possibility to contact your trainers via headset. Generally speaking, ATP managers are thinking about changes in the rules to make an attractive change.
In Wimbledon, however, this is seen differently. Wimledoch boss Richard Lewis opposes a change in the rules and the introduction of coaching:”Allowing coaching would be a fundamental change in this sport. We are completely opposed to our philosophy,”explained Richard at ESPN.
The Briton promptly gave reasons for the rejection:”Tennis is a sport for gladiators. You go to the square and you’re on your own. That’s the charming and beautiful thing about this sport, and there’s no other sport like that in this way,”explained the 62-year-old.
Contrary to this are the views of Christoph Fagniez, Director of the French Tennis Federation, who advocates an urgent change in tennis:”We were too slow and protective. It’s time for change, even if we don’t fully agree on a big round,”Fagniez explained.
Wimbledon is considered to be the best and most traditional tournament in tennis history. As early as 1877, Lawn Tennis and Croquet was first played on the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s “holy lawn” and has been following a strict tradition ever since. Even in the modern age, London is only played in white sportswear and the tournament has a special flair with its own unwritten laws. One reason why Wimbledon’s executives are opposed to innovations.