‘Been Practiced in Women’s Tennis’ – Novak Djokovic Sides With Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou Over Controversial On-Court Coaching Saga

Weeks ago, the ATP announced its approval of on-court coaching from the second half of the 2022 season. The decision instantly opened room for a long debate, questioning the correctness of the decision. The latest to give his opinions in the debate is Novak Djokovic. Eyeing his first major title of the year, the Serbian is currently playing at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, which is incidentally the last tournament before the ruling comes into action.

Yesterday, following his third-round win over Miomir Kecmanović, Djokovic headed to the post-match press conference. During the press conference, he expressed his views on the controversial decision by the apex body of men’s tennis. 

Novak Djokovic on ATP’s decision

Novak Djokovic is amongst the few tennis professionals who are extremely vocal about their opinions. The Serbian regularly uses public platforms to present his views on the matters concerned. Giving his view on ATP’s decision, the former World No. 1 started by saying, “I have different opinions. I understand both claims. As an individual athlete, it is our sport that we have to find a solution by ourselves without coaching during the match…” (Translated using Google Translate)

Over the years, even though called illegal, on-court coaching is being practiced in tennis. In numerous instances, a number of players and coaches have been called out for interacting with each other in matches. While many have criticized the act, some have also praised it. As far as Djokovic’s view is concerned, the Serbian asserted, “If it’s happening anyway, why not make it a rule and why not go public?”

Also read- ‘Was Happy With the Choice That I Made’ – Naomi Osaka Recounts Her French Open 2021 Withdrawal

Being amongst the most experienced players on the tour, the World No. 3 seemed aware of the technical difficulties the decision could carry with itself. Considering the possible hindrances, he pointed out the conditions that should be placed along with the rule. Supporting his suggestion, he mentioned the on-court coaching in women’s tennis.

He added, “Of course, under certain conditions, you can coach a player only when you are at the same end, so you don’t get in the way of other players. I don’t know what it will be like. On-court coaching has been practiced in women’s tennis.” 

He also pointed out the need to restrict the player-coach conversation on TV. Even though he admitted it to a fan engaging activity, he opposed the act by calling it a problem for the player.

How did Patrick Mouratoglou react to ATP’s decision?

Like Serena Williams, her former Patrick Mouratoglou is also amongst the most active social media entities. The French coach uses his social media handles to express his thoughts and opinions on the matters concerned. Following the ATP’s decision, the French coach was amongst the first ones to react to it.

Watch this story- How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Taking to Twitter, he took a dig at the governing body of men’s tennis. “Congratulations to the ATP for “legalizing” a practice that has been going on at almost every match for decades. No more hypocrisy,” he wrote.

While Djokovic, Patrick and other tennis experts have expressed their views on the decision, things are expected to get clear once it gets into action. As per the announcement, the on-court coaching will start from 11th July 2022 onwards. Being launched as a trial phase, it would run through the US Open and the season ending Nitto ATP Finals.