Taylor Fritz unhappy with ITF decision to allow off-court coaching
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Taylor Fritz had previously been critical of off-court coaching.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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NEW YORK – World No. 6 Taylor Fritz said the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) decision to allow off-court coaching from 2025 would ruin the one-versus-one strategic and mental elements of the game.
The ITF announced on Oct 21 that off-court coaching will be allowed from Jan 1, following a decision made at the governing body’s annual general meeting in October.
It said the change would make tennis “fairer and, potentially, more entertaining”.
Off-court coaching had already been implemented on a trial basis in all four Grand Slams as well as the ATP and WTA Tours since 2023.
US Open finalist Fritz had previously been critical of off-court coaching and expressed his displeasure with the rule change in a post on X on Oct 21, writing: “Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE.”
Former world No. 10 Denis Shapovalov said the decision to allow off-court coaching was “sad to see” as a fan of the sport.
“Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game,” the Canadian posted on X.
ITF senior executive director Stuart Miller said the decision had been made after consulting with key stakeholders, including players, coaches and umpires.
“Players felt it was a positive development and makes tournaments more interesting for them. Coaches have said it helps player development and helps to improve the standing of their profession,” Miller added.
“Chair umpires have said it improves their ability to focus on monitoring the game and making the right decisions, rather than whether or not a coach is coaching against the rules.”
Meanwhile, United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow has confidence in the event’s future, despite the debate over the crowded tennis calendar and Saudi Arabia’s interest in launching an ATP Masters event early in the season.
The US$10 million (S$13.2 million) mixed team tournament, the result of a partnership between Tennis Australia and the ATP and WTA Tours, kicks off its third edition in Perth on Dec 27, just 33 days after the Davis Cup Final 8 concludes in Spain.
Farrow has sympathy with players like Carlos Alcaraz, who have warned of an increase in injuries and burnout because of the long season, but said the field attracted by the United Cup suggested the late December start was not a major issue.
“We’d all agree that a longer off-season is a good thing for professional athletes. (But) the players are desperate to come here as soon as they can and start their season. In the back of my mind I thought starting on Dec 27, maybe that would be a challenge for us, but it hasn’t proven to be,” he said at the draw for the tournament.
“They want to get here to acclimatise to play these big events before the Australian Open.” REUTERS
