Roger Federer says 'No' to on-court coaching

Roger Federer has restated his position against on-court coaching after being asked about the idea at Indian Wells.

"Yeah, I hope we stay far away from that idea," he said.

On-court discussion with coaches is currently banned at ATP Tour events, but female players are allowed to call for a coach under certain circumstances.

Federer warned against rules changes in tennis following an effortless 7-5, 6-1 quarterfinal victory over South Africa's Kevin Anderson at the Indian Wells Masters - a win that will see the Swiss star return to the top five of the world rankings.

"If it does happen, it's hopefully after I'm done playing," the 17-time grand slam champion told reporters after the match.

"I really don't think it's necessary. I don't think it's fair, maybe, because not everybody can afford a coach ...it's just not right. We'll see girlfriends walking out, we'll see parents walking out."

"It's not going to be pretty, you know. It just won't. It will look amateur-like, in my opinion."

Federer's comments came after a coaching call appeared to not have quite the required effect in one of the day's two women's quarterfinals.

Italian Flavia Pennetta was one set up against American starlet Sloane Stephens, and leading 5-4 in the second set, when she called for her coach.

The Italian proceeded to lose the following three games, and the set, before rallying to take the match 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

The rules, introduced in 2009, allow for discussion at one changeover each set, and in between sets.

Federer - once also a vocal opponent of the Hawkeye ball-tracking review system - defended the sport as a one-on-one battleground.

"It's cool to figure it out yourself," added the 32-year-old.

"You can look over to your coach for comfort and support, but other than that, I think tennis should be one of those unique sports where you don't get coaching."

Date: 15th March 2014, Source: CNN and Tennis.com