Taylor Fritz Criticizes Off-Court Coaching Regulations

American number one male tennis player Taylor Fritz reacted to the off-court coaching rule that will be a part of the sport next year. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that off-court coaching will be allowed at all four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside both ATP and WTA Tours. This regulation was previously introduced on a trial basis in 2017. 

The changes mean that coaches can issue advice either verbally or via hand signals at any time except during the playing of a point. The ITF claims that this rule will make tennis more entertaining and fairer. But Taylor Fritz recently voiced his opposition to the new regulation that will officially start in January 2025.

Off-Court Coaching Has Been On Trial

Off-court coaching trials began in 2017. 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. The rule was also introduced to Grand Slams, as well as the main tours since last year. 

The ITF claimed that they have had positive feedback from these trials. By making the off-court coaching permanent, it 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.”

The off-court coaching is also claimed to support the development of players, and even to make tennis more entertaining. It means that starting next year players can freely receive coaching between sets and at the change of sets. The ITF allows Grand Slams, the ATP, and the WTA to decide if coaching at other times is allowed, except between points.

Taylor Fritz Sounds Off Against Decision

Despite those claims, the announcement has received a strong reaction from fans and players including Taylor Fritz and Denis Shapovalov.  “Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport please,” Taylor Fritz wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). The US Open finalist also believed that the term used for off-court coaching as a “trial basis” just to make people react in a good manner and not freak out. “We (have) been on this trial for 2 years I guess now, kinda proves my point,” he continued.

Taylor Fritz is not the only player who voices the opposition. Canadian Denis Shapovapov was also quick to slam the ITF for introducing off-court coaching full-time. “Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it’s sad to see this new off-court coaching rule,” he said on his social media account. According to Shapolapov, tennis is special because the player is out there alone. “Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game,” he said.

Nick Kyrgios shared Taylor Fritz’s posts, echoing his sentiment. The Australian felt that tennis would lose one of the only unique traits that no other sport had. Stan Wawrinka’s long-time coach Magnus Norman also agreed with Fritz’s statement.

Coaching During Matches Raised Much Debate

Coaching during matches has been a controversial topic. It has seen much debate, with examples including when Serena Williams was penalized for receiving coaching during the 2018 US Open final. Another case was Daniil Medvedev raging at the umpire during his 2022 Australian Open semifinal against Stefanos Tsitsipas for allowing the Greek to receive coaching for his father without being penalized. Taylor Fritz and players who agree with him still need to follow the rules starting next year. Fans will be watching closely to see how these changes will affect the sport’s future.