Jannik Sinner makes no ‘big change’ claim in verdict on controversial coaching rule
Jannik Sinner believes proposed new coaching rules in tennis will not offer a “big change” despite criticism from fellow ATP players such as Taylor Fritz.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced last week that off-coach court coaching would be permitted at all events from January 1st, 2025, following a lengthy trial period.
The ITF’s announcement has drawn a mixed reaction, with US No 1 Fritz and Canadian star Denis Shapovalov among the most outspoken critics of the change.
Taking to Twitter/X, Fritz wrote “Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE”, while Shapovalov said he was “sad” to see the rule change and claimed officials were trying to “change the beauty” of the sport.
However, speaking ahead of his Paris Masters campaign, Sinner offered an alternate view.
The world No 1 claimed that nothing “will change incredibly much” because of the ruling, and said that players were still “alone” on the court.
“I don’t think it will change incredibly much. Even now they are just some coaches who give advice at some times,” said Sinner.
“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. But there are already some connections with the coach.
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“You already understand what he’s talking about and what he’s suggesting, so I don’t think it’s going to change incredibly much.
“We haven’t seen a 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.
“So let’s see. But I don’t think it’s going to be a big change.”
In a statement released earlier this month, the ITF said positive feedback from players and coaches since the first trial was introduced in 2017 led to the official change.
Stuart Miller, ITF Senior Executive Director, Integrity & Legal said: “This has been going on in trial form since 2017.
“People who have been watching the sport, particularly over the last two years, will have seen trials going on across the whole of the professional game including the ITF World Tennis Tour, ATP and WTA Tours and all Grand Slams.
“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.
“Coaches have said it helps player development and helps to improve the standing of their profession. 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.
“So all parties have welcomed this and it’s good to see the AGM support what we think is going to be a positive change for the game of tennis.”
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