No coach, no party: Carlos Alcaraz faces coaching dilemma at the Olympics

Spain’s young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz will face a tough situation when he takes the court during the Olympics. The mega-event will be held from July 26 to August 11, during which thousands of athletes from all over the world will showcase their talent in different sports.

In men’s tennis, Spain's young tennis sensation Alcaraz will be the centre of attraction. The 21-year-old is already regarded as one of the most highly-rated players currently competing in the singles category, along with Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

One of the main reasons for Alcaraz’s success on the court has been his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. The former world number one has been working with the current world number three for a long time and has also been seen helping him during matches on the court.

However, as per the Olympic rules, coaches are not allowed to pass advice to players during the contest and avoiding such instructions can lead to either a hefty fine of as much as 15,000 pounds or a partial default.

“Players shall not receive coaching during a match. Communications of any kind, audible or visible, between a player and a team member may be construed as coaching,” the rule state.

“Players shall also prohibit their team member (1) from using audible obscenity within the precincts of the site, (2) from making obscene gestures of any kind within the precincts of the site, (3) from verbally abusing any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the site, (4) from physically abusing any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the site and (5) from giving, making, issuing, authorising or endorsing any public statement within the precincts of the site having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of the Olympic tennis event, the Olympic Games and/or of the officiating thereof.”

It will be interesting to see how Alcaraz copes with such instructions during the mega-event. The 21-year-old is going through an impressive 2024 season, during which he recently clinched the French Open title after beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final in a five-set thriller with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.