The subject of tennis players receiving coaching during matches has been a controversial debate among both competitors themselves and fans.
Some believe it is ruining the individual nature of the sport, while others think the concept helps to improve a player’s performance.
Now the debate has intensified following the announcement from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to allow off court coaching in 2025.
“We’ve gathered feedback from all key stakeholders including players, coaches and chair umpires,” said Stuart Miller, ITF senior executive director for integrity and legal.
“Players felt it was a positive development and makes tournaments more interesting for them.” The decision has certainly divided opinions, and some fans are not happy.
What have fans said about the 2025 coaching rule change?
The off-court coaching rules mean coaches can communicate with their players either verbally or with hand signals, except while a point is being played.
Other than during a break in play, any messages delivered by coaches must be “brief and discreet”, and competitors are allowed to use approved “player analysis technology” when coaching is allowed.
The ITF have said that allowing off court coaching from next season will help to make tennis “fairer and, potentially, more entertaining”.
But these fans do not agree, as @Shakur_Dml wrote on X: “All out to ruin this beautiful sport,” while @Qu13tStorm said: “Awful decision.”
@Samuel_Tkue added: “This will certainly ruin tennis. Being there mentally by yourself, and only you, and the challenge it brings to the players is the essence of tennis. Pls, don’t change that.”
Furthermore, @PaddyWarburton posted: “Not a fan of this at all. The tension of individual player-vs-player is a great part of the game.”
What have players said about the introduction of off court coaching in 2025?
One of the first players to comment on the new coaching rule is World number seven and US Open runner-up, Taylor Fritz.
He is not in favour of the rule change and posted on X: “Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE.”
Denis Shapovalov, a former top 10 player, was also not happy with the off court coaching rule coming into effect in 2025.
“Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it’s sad to see this new off-court coaching rule,” the Canadian posted.
“Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game?”
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