Petra Kvitova’s coach Jiri Vanek says female players would benefit most from coaching rule change

The coach of top female seed Petra Kvitova has walked headfirst into a sexism storm after saying woman stand to benefit the most from on-court coaching because men are “stronger and tougher”.

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in action at the 2019 Australian Open.

Petra Kvitova’s coach Jiri Vanek says women tennis players will benefit the most from a potential move to allow one-on-one coaching during Grand Slam events because men are “more stronger (and) more tougher” on the court.

Speaking after Kvitova’s effortless 6-2 6-1 win over Amanda Anisimova, the Czech coach said “tennis is the worst” in terms of player-coach relations because players pay the bills.

“Actually last year, I was thinking about (court coaching) for sure in woman’s tennis they help them,” Vanek said.

“In men’s tennis they are more stronger, more tougher maybe like on the court.”

Petra Kvitova reacts during her fourth round victory. Picture: Getty

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The Australian Open is reportedly looking at allowing court coaching from next year.

Coaches are allowed to interact with players at Davis Cup, Fed Cup and during tournament outside the majors.

Serena Williams was sensationally reprimanded last year during the US Open Final at Flushing Meadow when vision emerged of the tennis legend communicating with long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

Mouratoglou admitted later to coaching Williams despite her impassioned defence.

Vanek said today it was sometimes difficult for coaches to get through to players and agree on everything.

“The player is like the guy who is owning the team, and normally the team pay you normal, the coaches,” he said.

Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou admitted to coaching during last year’s US Open final. Picture: AP

“But (pause) tough question (smiling). No, no, it’s up to the player always. Sometimes a player can be not nice to their coaches.

“They take it like they pay you and I own you almost, and it’s up to the coach if you have, if you are strong enough, to tell them what is wrong, what is not wrong.

“Sometimes you are quiet. With Petra, we have everything clear and she’s totally nice.”

Probed further on what would happen in a potential disagreement, the coach continued.

“Sometimes maybe, you know, the woman how they can look if they are not happy if you tell them,” he said.

“But anyway, after one or two hours she’s always OK and we discuss.

“I try to discuss even if it’s bad or good. If we have trouble between us, I try to discuss with her and then explain how I mean it and that’s it.”

Originally published as Petra Kvitova’s coach Jiri Vanek says female players would benefit most from coaching rule change