After an 18-month trial, the International Tennis Federation announced that off-court coaching would be introduced permanently from 2025.
It means coaches will be able to give their players advice from the box mid-match. They can also use approved technology to inform their guidance.
But some players aren’t happy with the rule, as Taylor Fritz hit out and claimed it would “ruin the sport”.
Since the summer of 2022, coaches on the ATP and WTA Tours have been able to advise their players from the box and give them more detailed analysis during breaks in play as part of a trial. This will now be permanent starting next year.
The move wasn’t too popular among players even during its test period. Now that the ITF has announced an official change to the rules, some have voiced their frustration and suggested it defeats the purpose of the sport.
“Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE,” world No. 6 Fritz wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) when the news was announced on Monday.
The American also claimed coaching would always become permanent, theorising that tennis bosses only bring in a trial period to help players warm to the idea.
Reminded that they had been competing with in-match coaching for the last 18 months, Fritz replied: “I have a joke w my team that “trial basis” in ATP terms just means it’s a new permanent rule but call it a trial so people don’t freak out…. We been on this trial for 2 years I guess now, kinda proves my point.”
Denis Shapovalov was also quick to slam the ITF for introducing off-court coaching full-time. The former world No. 10 wrote: “Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it’s sad to see this new off court coaching rule.
“Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game.”
Recently-retired Australian tennis player John Millman also joined in, tweeting: “Off-court coaching sucks.”
Nick Kyrgios shared Fritz’s posts, echoing his sentiment. The former Wimbledon finalist ripped into the introduction of mid-match coaching when the trial was first announced in 2022. “Completely disagree,” he said at the time.
“Loses one of the only unique traits that no other sport had. The player had to figure out things on his own. That was the beauty of it. What happens if a high profile player versus a low ranked player who doesn’t have or afford a coach?”
The players aren’t the only ones who oppose the change – Stan Wawrinka’s long-time coach Magnus Norman replied to Fritz, Shapovalov and Millman, stating that he “agrees”.
In a statement, the ITF said feedback on the trials had been positive and that making off-court coaching permanent would “reduce the burden on Chair Umpires to police the current restriction on coaching” and “reduce subjectivity in the enforcement of the current restriction on coaching”.
