The Rise and Challenges of Female Tennis Coaches

Wimbledon 2026: The prominence of female tennis coaches has grown alongside the sport, yet challenges persist. Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk's coach, Sandra Zaniewska, discussed this topic following Andreeva's recent Grand Slam victory. Published on June 23, 2026, by Emily Salley, the article highlights that in a sport where gender equality is celebrated, the presence of female coaches remains limited. Only four players in the top 50 singles rankings employ women as their primary coaches. However, this year marked a significant achievement, as Conchita Martinez, who has history as a Wimbledon champion, coached 19-year-old Andreeva to her first Grand Slam title at the French Open. Despite the increase in female coaches, with those registered on the WTA Tour rising from 6% in 2017 to 19% by 2026, the barriers continue to exist. Andy Murray's appointment of Amelie Mauresmo in 2014 exemplified the backlash women face in positions of authority. Barriers include family commitments and the typically grueling travel schedules that discourage women from pursuing coaching careers. Zaniewska, who has trained Kostyuk since 2023, observed that many retiring female players consider starting families rather than continuing in coaching. Another challenge is the need for a male hitting partner—a role predominantly filled by men—which can limit coaching dynamics for women.

Zaniewska explained that male hitting partners often overshadow the contributions of female coaches, making it harder for women to gain recognition. The perception that male coaches offer more confidence impacts how players view coaching options. As Andreeva noted, Martinez's understanding as a fellow female player played a key role in her success.

The lack of female coaches creates a cycle where aspiring women do not see teaching opportunities. Currently, Andreeva and Kostyuk are among just a few top-50 players with women as their primary coaches. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) addressed this representation gap with its Coach Inclusion Programme, developed to support aspiring female coaches and facilitate their advancement in the sport. At the recent Indian Wells tournament, 34 of the 187 coaches were women, illustrating progress but highlighting ongoing challenges. WTA initiatives continue to help increase representation, emphasizing that both men and women bring valuable perspectives to coaching roles.