Courtside coaching cops serve off players

ROGER Federer and Kim Clijsters are leading a backlash against plans to allow coaching from the stands at the US Open tennis tournament next month.

Under the move, players will be allowed to communicate with coaches between points in junior, wheelchair and US collegiate competition.

If the trial is successful, coaching could eventually be allowed in singles and doubles – as it already is on the women’s tour – at grand slam level.

Former world No.1s Federer and Clijsters are opposed to the concept, arguing part of tennis’s challenge is for players to solve problems without assistance.

“I’m not all for it. I find it kind of cool that in tennis, you’re sort of on your own out there,” Federer said.

“Not everybody has the same amount of resources for coaching, as well. So I’m not sure if it’s that beneficial.

“But might be interesting for some people to see.

“I know that some parts of the world coaching at junior level and all that stuff is totally normal, that the coaches and the players speak.

“I’m sure it’s not going to make that much of a difference because I’m sure there’s hand signs going on as we speak.

“It’s not that difficult. It’s not rocket science out there sometimes.

“We tell maybe play more to the backhand side. It doesn’t take much to understand that message.”

“I’m not really for it.” Officials will trial several changes, including the introduction of a 25-second countdown clock between points, in a bid to make the sport more engaging to spectators.

Clijsters staunchly believes there is no place in tennis for coaching.

The Belgian accused Victoria Azarenka of illegally receiving tips from her coach Michael Joyce at Wimbledon last week.

Queensland’s John Millman says the move effectively discriminates against players who can’t afford coaches.