The ITF recently announced that coaching will be allowed at all ATP, WTA and ITF events from January, with the news having divided opinion in the tennis world

Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner were at odds on the ITF’s coaching rules (Image: (Image: GETTY))

Tennis pros Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz are serving up differing takes on the ITF’s controversial decision to allow off-court coaching from next year. The change, set to start in January across ATP, WTA, and ITF events, means coaches will likely take a more active role during games, a development that doesn’t sit well with Fritz.

He took to X, previously known as Twitter, to express his frustration: “Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE.” On the flip side, Sinner isn’t convinced there’ll be a huge shift in dynamics, pointing out that some coaches already dish out advice mid-match.

Speaking before the Paris Masters, the current US Open champ remarked: “I don’t think it will change like incredibly much. Even now they are just some coaches who still, you know, give some advice at some times.

“So, you know, I believe that this sport is still… As a player, you are alone in the court and trying to figure out alone what the situation is.

Jannik Sinner has issued his verdict on the ITF’s changes (Image: (Image: GETTY))

“There are already, you know, some connections with the coach and then you understand already what he’s talking about and what he’s suggesting already, so I don’t think it’s going to change incredibly much.”

He further amplifies the sentiment that players with long-term coaching relationships won’t feel much of an impact, since they’re adept at deciphering each other’s cues no matter the rules.

He remarked: “We haven’t seen, like, a big, big change when there is no coaching, no? Because you watch the coach, you understand him already for years, and, you know, so you understand what’s coming. Let’s see, but I don’t think it’s going to be a big, big change.”

The ITF approved new rules allowing coaches to advise players either verbally or through hand signals anytime except during actual play. This coaching must remain ‘brief and discreet’, with more extensive advice permitted only during breaks in the action.

Additionally, players can now utilize sanctioned ‘player analysis technology’ at specified times. In team competitions, captains have green-lit for courtside guidance.

Upon announcing these adjustments, ITF senior executive director Stuart Miller stated: “We’ve gathered feedback from all key stakeholders including players, coaches and chair umpires.

Players felt it was a positive development and makes tournaments more interesting for them.”