Nadal's opinion on coaching during matches...

[Tambuyu]

Q. The WTA is going to allow coaching during matches. How much do coaches matter, and should the ATP allow that?

RAFAEL NADAL: Maybe that's stupid. Stupid because for why? For what you have a coach? For being in the chair like this (sitting with arms crossed). He's coming to Australia for anything, no? You can go just you.
So for me is important, the coaching. Is part of the show, too. You have one coach for anything, not for don't say nothing. So for me, the coaching is (speaking Spanish)...

THE MODERATOR: It's a change that is needed.

RAFAEL NADAL: For me, the WTA, that's the new rule, that's perfect. That's a good rule. I hope in the next month in the ATP gonna be change that, no, too?

 

[Duzza]

That interview confused the hell out of me...

 

[Phil]

That interview confused the hell out of me...

I think what he's saying is that since he's already getting coaching from the stands, illegally, they should just go and legalize it, as the WTA has done in some tournaments.

 

[Swissv2]

I am torn between allowing coaching and not

On one hand, there would have to be a limit to the coaching time because players would try to always look at their coach on what to do. A yelling match would most likely occur between the coaches to their players and to each other. Rules would have to be established on when a coach could yell something out, because during the point the coach could distract the opponent, while his player knows what is going on and that he would be yelling. Some players might find it unfair that their coaches are not with them at the time during the match to coach them, but their opponent's coaches are there.

On the other hand, coaching can be beneficial quite simply because it helps players in boxing, football, basketball, baseball - etc. The coaching helps players remember thier "game plan" or coaches may see new "strategies" that their players should try out. It would lessen the need to 'secretly coach' as evident with Sharapova's camp telling her what to drink/eat and when.

 

[Duzza]

I think what he's saying is that since he's already getting coaching from the stands, illegally, they should just go and legalize it, as the WTA has done in some tournaments.

Oh how interesting..Thanks Phil. He's so right too.

 

[FedFan_2007]

Has any illegal coaching ever helped Nadal vs Fed in a match? I don't think illegal coaching has anything to do with Fed having trouble with Nadal's top-spin FH to his BH. That's just a matchup-problem.

 

[ShooterMcMarco]

I think what he's saying is that since he's already getting coaching from the stands, illegally, they should just go and legalize it, as the WTA has done in some tournaments.

LMAO

 

[Zaragoza]

Has any illegal coaching ever helped Nadal vs Fed in a match? I don't think illegal coaching has anything to do with Fed having trouble with Nadal's top-spin FH to his BH. That's just a matchup-problem.

Some Fed fan who is honest, well said. Just because Fed complained about it in Rome it doesn´t mean he´s illegally coached on every match and it doesn´t mean that Fed was right either.

 

[Hardball]

They should do it like the Davis Cup. Have the coaches sitting next to the players chairs and they can only coach during the change overs.

 

[Defcon]

This is a very slippery slope. What I like about tennis, and what separates it from most other pro sports, is that its truly an individual sport. Its only you out there, and over the course of a long match, you have to face your fears, demons and nerves, make all the decisions, come up with the answers. Thats why mental game is so important in tennis.

Allowing coaching takes away this aspect. It takes away the advantage of the tactically superior player who can think for himself and doesn't need to be told what shot to hit, how to behave, or what fruit to eat (and not choke on).

In fact I'd go so far as to say that for most coaches, their primary job is to manage their players fragile egos and tempers, and possibly teach them a little. Players rely too much on coaches and their entourages these days, and this is the last straw.

Its not surprising really, yet another 'dumbing down' of society in general - I'm too stupid to think, yet I have tons of money to hire you, so please tell me what to do.

 

[tennus]

They should do it like the Davis Cup. Have the coaches sitting next to the players chairs and they can only coach during the change overs.

Yes I could see that at Wimbledon ! Took 100 yrs to put a coloured stripe on their clothing.

 

[The Pusher Terminator]

I think what he's saying is that since he's already getting coaching from the stands, illegally, they should just go and legalize it, as the WTA has done in some tournaments.

Yeah...the coach police should lock him up.

 

[illkhiboy]

How did the WTA experiment work out? Werent they gonna record the player-coach conferences? Are there any transcripts available? It would be really interesting to see what sort of discussions went on. Personally I like the fact that a player has to solve his problems by himself. And Davis Cup is enough for pro-coaching fans.

 

[NewBallsPlease]

To make it a fair playing field, I hope the ATP provides all players with a coach. Otherwise, it would be unfair for those that can't afford coach.

 

[FiveO]

To make it a fair playing field, I hope the ATP provides all players with a coach. Otherwise, it would be unfair for those that can't afford coach.

Let alone the better v. worse coaching dynamic, it's much more of a relationship than you think. Anyone who has coached or played under a coach will affirm that. What get's said or not and how it gets communicated, from even a single coach can be and often is totally different for player A, B or C.
Some players want it simple, others are more fluid, others don't even want to be bothered and maybe just encouraged. Like any other "relationship" it has it's own dynamics.

Also one of the beautiful elements of the game is that it is a contest pitting everything an individual has, physical, mental and emotional, against the other guy. Players do "get lost" out there tactically, strategically and emotionally. Those departures may have been brought on by the opponent. Now we interject this outside element? Seems to diminish the test.

I could see it becoming a potential gamesmanship opportunity for some disposed to that kind of thing as well.

I'm against it personally.

 

[maverick66]

it would be intresting to see. i would love to see a coach and player get in a fight on court. tommy haas coould fire his coach right there instead of yelling into the crowd at him. also most pros that this would affect can afford a coach. and if they did it at the lower levels i would have one of my friends sit with me. so it doesnt really hurt anyone.

 

[Supernatural_Serve]

I am for it. But, only before a set begins. Not during games or changeovers, bathroom breaks, injuries/trainer sessions.

Play a full set, then get some advice from 1 designated coach who can enter the court and must exit the court within 3 minutes. Also, the coach can in no way speak to the opponent or his coach or the chair referree or linesman, if so, a penalty must be issued.

Its a start.

 

[illkhiboy]

it would be intresting to see. i would love to see a coach and player get in a fight on court.

lol

 

[drakulie]

I think what he's saying is that since he's already getting coaching from the stands, illegally, they should just go and legalize it, as the WTA has done in some tournaments.

True!

 

[WhiteSox05CA]

What is he trying to say?
________
Hurt From Wellbutrin

 

[jmsx521]

Maybe coaches and players can message each other on their cellphones.

 

[Mick]

coaching is good. Imagine what they could do with all the match statistics that are being collected during the match !!!

 

[jackson vile]

IMO A) allow coaching or B) don't allow coaches to be in a position that is visiable or in a position where said player can see or hear their coach.

Problems solved and we can move on, it is like the Iraq war, you are in a no mans land hoping things will just works itself out LOL

 

[4brotherdrive]

You people are taking what Nadal said the wrong way? I didnt understand anything he was saying(so how did you?), and if this was translated then the translator was obviosly not a good one.

On coaching during a match, I say NO, it takes the game out of tennis. This is a one player sport, and not having a coach there telling you what to do during a match is what sets us apart from other sports.