Just 12 out of 128 players in the 2’th French Open women’s main draw have a woman coach, according to a recent report. This statistic has sparked discussions about the gender imbalance in professional tennis coaching roles. The data reveals a stark contrast between the number of female players and the number of female coaches, raising questions about the barriers women face in ascending to leadership positions within the sport.
Experts believe that systemic issues such as gender bias, limited mentorship opportunities, and cultural norms may contribute to the underrepresentation of women in coaching roles. Some advocates are calling for initiatives to increase support and visibility for female coaches in the sport. The issue has also led to calls for greater diversity in coaching staffs at all levels of the tennis hierarchy.
Organizations such as the International Tennis Federation are being urged to address this disparity through policy changes and educational programs. Until such measures are implemented, the gap in representation is likely to persist. The situation reflects a broader challenge in many male-dominated fields, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to promote gender equality in sports leadership.