Sanchez hails global reach of Coaches Conference

Davis Cup-winning captain and three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Emilio Sanchez delivered the keynote presentation on Day 2 of the 21st ITF Worldwide Coaches Conference, hailing the impact of an event that has attracted coaches from a record 113 nations in 2019.

"What the ITF has managed to do is to bring people from all over [the world], not only from the top countries that may go to all the seminars in other places," Sanchez said.

"I think that's hugely important for our industry. We depend on these countries to grow in the future, and to give them the tools to grow is great from the ITF."

Sanchez's presentation wrapped up an action-packed day at the Berkeley Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, that also featured a blind tennis coaching demonstration and a round table discussion with women's tennis coaches.

Speaking in front of the packed auditorium were forum chair Debbie Kirkwood (CAN), Jo Ward (GBR), Rosemay Owino (KEN), Roxanne Clarke (RSA), Ghizela Enslin (RSA) and Czarina Mae Arevalo (PHI).

"It was good to see an absolutely packed house for it," said Ward. "We all know it's an important topic, and it was good to see that the coaches supported that.

"The conversation was not only about bringing a women's perspective but bringing a worldwide perspective. I learned so much listening to women from other continents about their experiences - which aren't going to be the same as the experience of a woman from England.

"Even though I was part of the panel, I felt like I was learning more than anyone."

The Worldwide Coaches Conference concludes on Sunday October 27.