The Evolving Landscape of Tennis Coaching
The coaching box in professional tennis is a highly visible position, frequently scrutinized by cameras and commentators. However, a closer look reveals a striking imbalance: the vast majority of coaching staff, even in the women's game, are men. Currently, only four players in the top 50 singles rankings have a woman as their primary coach. Nevertheless, this year's French Open saw 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva claim her first Grand Slam title under the guidance of former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, highlighting the growing success of female coaches at the sport's highest echelons.
Addressing the Disparity
While the number of female coaches is on the rise – tripling from 6% in 2017 to 19% in 2026 on the WTA Tour – significant challenges persist. The scarcity of women in top-level coaching roles is influenced by factors such as family commitments, the demanding travel schedule, and lingering societal perceptions. Andy Murray's decision to hire Amelie Mauresmo in 2014, for instance, was met with unexpected sexist backlash.
Sandra Zaniewska, coach to world number 13 Marta Kostyuk, acknowledges the changing landscape but points out the practical barriers. She notes that many female players consider starting families after their careers, which often conflicts with the extensive travel required for coaching. Zaniewska believes a 50-50 split between male and female coaches may not be achievable due to these lifestyle choices, but she sees clear opportunities for growth.
The Role of Hitting Partners and Confidence
Another contributing factor to the male dominance in coaching is the role of hitting partners, a position almost exclusively filled by men. While top players can afford both a coach and a hitting partner, many on tour must choose one, often opting for a coach who can also serve as a hitting partner. The perceived need for male hitting partners, perhaps due to their power, topspin, and often, an overt display of confidence, plays a role.
"Sometimes we laugh that you can have male hitting partners and their ego is so big - they come and just think they know everything," Zaniewska remarked. "When you're top 100 or top 50, so much is about the mental game and believing in yourself and projecting confidence."
Zaniewska also suggests that female coaches might express confidence differently, which can sometimes be misconstrued. She notes that women often prioritize thorough analysis before offering advice, which might be perceived as insecurity, rather than careful consideration.
Visibility and Opportunity
The lack of visible female coaches creates a challenging cycle. As Zaniewska explains, players are accustomed to male coaches and may not even consider a female alternative. This sentiment is echoed by tennis legend Billie Jean King's adage, "if you can't see it, you can't be it." British coach Fran Jones highlighted that while male coaches with her playing level are common on tour, female coaches of similar caliber are rare unless they are former top professionals.
To address this, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) launched the Coach Inclusion Programme in 2021. This initiative aims to create clearer pathways for female coaches by providing development, connections, and confidence-building opportunities. Since its inception, the program has shown promising results, with the percentage of female coaches at events like Indian Wells increasing significantly.
Ultimately, the goal is not to prove that female coaches are inherently better, but to ensure they have equitable opportunities to pursue top-level roles. As Zaniewska concludes, the best fit between a coach and player comes down to personality, regardless of gender.
Source: Battling egos and stereotypes - the rise of female tennis coaches