In an interview, Justine Henin commented on players splitting with their coaches on the women's tour. The Belgian believes that consistency is the priority at the highest level. Champions like Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep respectively split with Sascha Bajin and Darren Cahill.
"I was with my coach for 15 years. I don’t want to judge and I would not talk about these girls specifically, but, overall, people expect different things. I love what Rafael Nadal told me one day after a match in Roland-Garros.
He said that when he is on the court, whether he wins or loses, he is responsible, not his coach or his physiotherapist. It’s important for a player to understand that the player has the resources inside him. Others can help him use those resources.
I talk a lot to young players and I have the feeling they have to see results quickly. But that should not be the case—sometimes, you need the time to build, to find the stability and results. The coach has to help you improve, and, sometimes, to improve you need to hear things that are not comfortable.
She added, "Probably more men are doing it. I have been more of a consultant, though I did work with (Elina) Svitolina. For me, I have two young children, who are six and two years old. It is still difficult as a mother to be away.
When you want to coach and be on the tour, you have to do that for 35-40 weeks in a year. If you had been a great champion, it does not give you the guarantee that you will be a great coach. Your player will have a different personality than you. This requires different competencies."