Stefanos Tsitsipas welcomes on-court coaching at Roland Garros and Wimbledon
Two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has welcomed the decisions to allow on-court coaching at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
The two European Slams join the Australian and US Opens in allowing players to receive coaching from the stands during matches.
During the 2022 season on-court coaching was trialled at various events including the US Open.
Tsitsipas had previously been sanctioned for receiving aid from his player’s box.
He says that he is thrilled to be able to confer with his team during matches at all four Grand Slams.
“Well, the coaching has always been there. Some coaches might have not been using it as much,” Tsitsipas said according to Tennishead.
“In my case, it has always been part of how I do things when I’m on the court. I’m glad it’s not penalised now.”
Most top players spend a significant amount of money to retain top coaches and Tsitsipas believes they should be allowed to get the most out of their expert assistance.
“That’s how it should be. I see no reason to have a coach with you if they can’t share some of their view and knowledge with you when you’re competing. I feel like it’s something very natural in our sport. For sure it should be used.”
Wimbledon had appeared set to hold out against coaching with former Chief Executive Richard Lewis setting a hard line in interviews back in 2017.
“We are philosophically very against. We believe it is a gladiatorial sport, an individual sport; you go on court and the whole premise of tennis is that you are on your own,” Lewis told ESPN.
However, leadership changes at the All England Lawn Tennis Club have paved the way for several changes and they have opted to follow the other Slams and allow coaching.
According to the current guidelines legal coaching means that “if players are on the same side of the court as their coach, they can communicate verbally.” If they “are on the opposite side of the court, they can communicate with hand signals.”
Tsitsipas frequently conferred with his coach during his run to the Australian Open final however, he proved no match for a determined Novak Djokovic who shattered the Greek’s Grand Slam dream.
He has reportedly split from long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou and will now have his father and former Australian pro Mark Philippousis in his box.
READ MORE: Stefanos Tsitsipas’ 2023 tennis schedule, Where is he competing next and his season so far
