Bublik calls on ATP to clarify coaching rules after receiving violation

| by Balasz Virag

Alexander Bublik was not happy when he got a code violation for coaching because he thought it was allowed.

The ATP allowed coaching during matches sometime ago and many players have been getting coached since then. The coaching generally consists of a few quick pointers from the stands but Bublik engaged in a conversation with his coach in Marseille which got him a violation.

He told me that [coaching] cannot be a conversation. But what if I ask a question and the coach tells me to do this and I say, I don’t feel it? That’s what happened. I told him I don’t feel the serve, and he told me go on, throw the ball differently, and I said I don’t feel it, and I got a coaching [violation].

Bublik unhappy with the code violation

Bublik wants to see the ATP set out a clear guideline on how the coaching should take place because it's not been well defined. According to Bublik if coaching is permitted it should be permitted completely including conversations.

I think the ATP needs to just clarify their rules and if they allow coaching, allow it! It is not interrupting the play because that’s why I stood up 40 seconds before the changeover. I’m not the kind of guy to talk to someone to try to interrupt the game. Nobody gets coached by yelling and saying ‘Bend your legs’ or something. Maybe someone does, but not with me.

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