WTA: Coaching at Grand Slams: Stephens speaks out for rule change

Former US Open winner Sloane Stephens has spoken out in favour of coaching on the tennis court at Grand Slam tournaments.

“I think there should be a small change in the rule,” the American said recently in Singapore. So far, coaching during a match is allowed in WTA tournaments, but not in the four majors.

“I think there’s a lot of coaching going down from the grandstands anyway,” said the French Open finalist: “Whether it’s right or wrong doesn’t matter. Coaching, in my opinion, is a big part of tennis, and out there you’re alone.”

The 25-year-old Stephens, who lost the final against Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) last Sunday at the season finale tournament in Singapore, also sees added value for the fans through coaching on the tennis court. They could “feel more connected to the player and the coach,” she said.

Recently, 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams (USA) and her coach Patrick Mouratoglou had caused a stir in the lost final of the US Open against Naomi Osaka from the stands because of illegal coaching.

“Coaching is an essential component of any athletic performance. Prohibiting it almost makes it look like something that is embarrassing or has to be hidden,” Frenchman Mouratoglou recently wrote on Twitter.