According to the former World No. 3, the coach in question, Don Candy, was 50 years old at the time and was already married. Shriver admitted that it was a painful affair to relive, but noted that it was an important issue to go public with.

The American proclaimed that such “abusive coaching relationships” were alarmingly common in tennis and sports in general. Shriver further remarked that it was a problem that disproportionately affected women, and that her alarm bells would ring every time she heard a female player dating their coach.

Regarding Don Candy, Pam Shriver stated that she had “conflicted feelings” to this day. The 59-year-old was of the opinion that Candy was largely “honest and authentic”, but should have nipped the relationship in the bud since he was the grown-up at the time.

While Shriver made it very clear that Candy did not sexually abuse her in any way, she was adamant that the emotional trauma of the experience plagued her throughout her life. According to the American, it has shaped every relationship she has had in the years since then, contributing to her struggles with maintaining healthy boundaries.

“The point has to be made very clearly: these kinds of relationships are not appropriate” - Pam Shriver

Pam Shriver further disclosed that she struggled with her form during the relationship with Don Candy, mostly because of the mental toll it was taking on her. Emphasizing how her best years on the WTA tour came only after ending things with Candy, the American said she hoped her story would serve as a reminder to other players to keep their personal and professional lives separate.

The former World No. 3 was of the opinion that all credential-holders, from coaches to physios and trainers, have to be educated that such relationships are not appropriate.

Pam Shriver added that the only way to put an end to this “widespread” problem is for all tennis bodies to come together to address the issue and guarantee strict consequences for those who do not abide by the rules.

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