Mirra Andreeva captured the French Open title, becoming the first female‑coached Grand Slam singles champion since Garbiñe Muguruza’s 2017 Wimbledon triumph. She credited Conchita Martínez, a former Wimbledon winner, for guiding the 19‑year‑old through the pressure cooker of Roland Garros. Only four players inside the WTA top‑50 currently list a woman as their primary coach, underscoring how rare such partnerships remain.

Women comprised just 6 % of registered WTA coaches in 2017; that share has more than tripled to 19 % in 2026. Former pro Sandra Zaniewska, now coaching world No. 13 Marta Kostyuk, says family plans and relentless travel deter many ex‑players from staying on tour. She also notes the scarcity of female hitting partners, a role still dominated by men, which limits coaching options for rising stars.

The WTA’s Coach Inclusion Programme, launched in 2021, aims to forge clearer pathways for women, offering mentorship and federation links. At Indian Wells this year, 34 of 187 coaches were female, roughly 18 %. Billie Jean King’s mantra – “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” – echoes the need for visibility. Progress is evident, yet female representation at the sport’s summit remains modest.