Outlining the controversy surrounding “1 coach policy” at US Open?
By Alex Hyman
Novak Djokovic has come under scrutiny from tennis players Dan Evans and Danielle Collins after criticizing the new US Open “1 coach policy”, saying that it would be problematic and not sustainable.
The “1 coach policy” at the US Open is just as it seems. A maximum of one coach will be allowed per competitor at matches. Additional conditions include a 14-day quarantine if traveling from outside of the United States, limited access to practice courts, and coronavirus testing two to three times a week.
Novak Djokovic spoke to Serbia’s Prva TV on the subject of this year’s US Open.
"“We’d have a limited number of people, I think one person we could bring to the tennis club which is simply unthinkable because you need a tennis coach, fitness trainer, then a physiotherapist, a great team of people.”"
As we have seen over the last decade, the likes of Djokovic, Federer, and Murray have had entourages bigger than the rest. From super coaches to hitting partners, all the way to dietitians and agents, the top players have it all. These extra specialists supporting every tiny thing you do give yet another winning edge to the highest-ranked men and women.
The one percents are so often regarded as the difference between good and great. The extensive teams behind the great players is a perfect case of going the extra mile to achieve greatness.
With this in mind, is it understandable that Djokovic would miss the US Open due to the “1 coach policy”?
British No 1 Dan Evans doesn’t think so.
"“I don’t think having one person of your team only allowed is such a big deal – the majority of the draw would only travel with one coach”, said Evans in an interview on BBC 5 Live Breakfast."
Related Story. Should the US Open consider cancelling instead of playing without fans?. light
The Grand Slams are the biggest earners of the year. That is why t is so important for players scraping into the draw that they make the most of the opportunity to play at a major event where the prize money is considerably higher than any other tournament.
Players who lost in the first round of the US Open in 2019 took home $58,000. For many players, this single tournament’s earning would contribute to most, if not all of that year’s travel and coaching expenses.
That is why Dan Evans thinks the “1 coach policy” should not be a reason for missing the event at New York’s Flushing Meadows.
Evans is now an accustomed member of the top 50 in the world. Although he is currently ranked #28, Evans knows exactly what it’s like to be a struggling lower-ranked player and vying for spots in the main draw of a Grand Slam.
WTA’s Danielle Collins is another player who has dismissed Djokovic’s comments and believes the US Open should go ahead.
"“For those of us (most tennis players) who don’t travel with an entourage, we actually need to start working again,” Collins is quoted by Eurosport to have said on her Instagram story. “It would be nice to have the best player in the world supporting this opportunity and not spoiling it for players and fans!”"
But why does it matter if Djokovic opts out of the US Open?
Well, the big names are the leading influencers in tennis. The withdrawal of the top players like Djokovic could be the difference between a US Open going ahead and a US Open cancellation. With Roger Federer out with injury for the rest of 2020, the top players are falling by the day. This could mean bad news for those wishing for a 2020 US Open.
Next. In tennis’ biggest moments, there’s no one better than Novak Djokovic. dark
It remains that public health is a priority. Tennis fans’ excitement of a 2020 US Open rests in the hands of the ATP.