Tennis: Pierce's father let back into Tour events

Jim Pierce, banned from tournaments for four years following his disruptive behaviour during matches involving his daughter, Mary, is on his way back, writes John Roberts from New York.

The WTA Tour has informed Pierce by letter that its board of directors has voted to lift the ban on a conditional basis for one year from November.

Pierce's lawyers had threatened to take the women's Tour to court if they refused to lift the ban, pointing out that he wanted to coach another player. His latest protege is Kristina Triska, a 17-year-old from Boca Raton, Florida, who is ranked in the world top 150.

In a statement, the WTA listed the terms of Pierce's return on probation. "Mr Pierce may attend tournaments as a coach of a player participating in the events he attends. Grand Slams are not bound by the Tour's decision in this matter, and may make their own determination regarding his attendance.

"The Tour must receive reasonable assurances from any person who hires Mr Pierce as coach and provide adequate proof on the continuance of such arrangements.

"Mr Pierce must notify the Tour as far in advance as possible regarding his attendance at any Tour event.

"Should Mr Pierce engage in any disruptive, abusive, or otherwise unprofessional conduct in connection with with his attendance at any Tour event, the matter will be reviewed immediately by the board of directors.

"The board will take appropriate action based upon the circumstances, which might include reinstatement of the ban on an indefinite basis or, should the circumstances warrant, on a permanent basis."

Pierce is not completely satisfied with the arrangement. "They said I could go on tour in November when everything is finished," he said. "It's still, to me, like a ban, because they said I can go on the tour but I have to be in the company of a player, and the player has to guarantee my employment. And I have to let them know well in advance what tournament I'm going to.

"I still don't like the idea that somebody can tell me where I can go in my country. I told lawyers to sue them in the federal court, and they started writing letters. The WTA said they voted at Wimbledon on whether to let me back."

Pierce says he started coaching Triska a few weeks before the US Open. She previously trained at Nick Bollettieri's successful tennis academy in Florida. "I got her hitting the ball like Mary, with power from either side," Pierce said. "She could be a top player."