Are Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic cheating at Wimbledon?

[joeybee12]

It’s a practice probably as old as the game itself: coaching from the stands. It comes in many forms: subtle nods, a shifting of a hat, a wink or sometimes out-and-out verbal instructions. The procedure itself is illegal. The enforcement of said legality is a gray area that gains more scrutiny by the year.

The accusations have dogged Rafael Nadal since he arrived on the worldwide tennis scene, if you even want to call them accusations. If you watch his Uncle Toni during a match, you can see him and Nadal often make eye contact and I doubt it’s to bird dog Kate Middleton when she’s in attendance. Andy Murray talks to his box as much as he talks to the press. And at this Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic is fending off claims that his coach, former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, has been coaching too and, therefore, cheating.

Becker didn’t help things when he admitted that “[we] have our ways” of signaling to Djokovic “to tell him it’s good or it’s bad,” a direct admission of coaching.

Both players have responded this week because, with the British press, everything is magnified at Wimbledon. Djokovic has been uncharacteristically testy when asked the question, saying that if he hasn’t been called for a violation on court, then he shouldn’t have to answer for it in the media. Nadal had a calmer, more rational response, though an ironic one given that the player he defeated before this press conference plays without a coach.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/07/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-cheating-wimbledon-coaching-controversy?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=sportsmain

Of course the're cheating, and they get away with it because tennis is an individual sport...the umps/refs are afraid of the big players...Serena would have been gone for a year in any other sprot for her antics, Rafroid and Djoker would hev been penalized over and over and over for delay of the match...most rules in tennis are not even close to being enforced...

[TBF]

1. Match point, Federer -

surprised it took him over an hour. On to the third round ...

As to Rafa and Joker cheating ... I am so glad Federer never behaved like that. Heck, he hasn't even had a coach for much of his career.

[joeybee12]

2. Yeah, the first set was close until that final break...

Then smooth sailing...

Coaching from the stands has been going on for a long time...but as I said, they don't enforce most of the rules.

[MuseRider]

3. There seems to be so much of it anymore

that I had wondered if they had changed the rule. You can see it when watching on TV.

How often do they drug test? I don't think often enough.

There is so much money going to the players (not that I begrudge them a nice earning) that you would think they would get more strict.

How much does it cost to score a ticket on a top court where you can actually see? If people have to pay that much then the sport they are watching should be regulated so the rules are followed.

Oh well, GO FED!

[tishaLA]

4. They should just legalize on-court coaching like the WTA has for some events

It's very limited, like once at the end of each set or something, and it's actually fun to listen to, too. It doesn't stop the illegal in-match coaching, but if legalized coaching was more widespread, the ITF/ATP/WTA might be willing to go after offenders more quickly

[joeybee12]

6. Interesting...

But I still don't think they'll go after offenders...they're scared of them.

[madinmaryland]

5. Are you suggesting that they are deflating tennis balls???

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. In Nadal's case, perhaps not for long

2 sets to 1 down, and a break of serve down in the 4th (4-3 to Dustin Brown of Germany).

[joeybee12]

8. And it's done...

And the world rejoices!

[TBF]

9. That's for sure