Andy Murray offers possible solutions to tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts

Andy Murray has put the issue of on-court coaching back in the spotlight as he has suggested it be used to counter tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts during tennis matches.
On-court coaching made headlines at this year’s US Open when Serena Williams was handed a code violation during the women’s final against Naomi Osaka.
While the 23-time Grand Slam winner vehemently denied that she received coaching during the match, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou admitted afterwards that he tried to give signals to the American.
A few days before that match, Murray accused Fernando Verdasco of speaking to his coach when the 10-minute heat-break rule was applied during their second-round encounter at Flushing Meadows.
Murray felt the officials didn’t know the “f****** rules”.
The three-time Grand Slam winner addressed the issues on Instagram, writing: “A couple of possible solutions to tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts in tennis.
1. If a player wants to go to the toilet or have a medical timeout then his/her opponent is allowed to bring coach onto court for the duration of the break. Limiting the advantage gained of disrupting rhythm/momentum. The TV would love this as it would give them something to talk about during delay.
2. If a player wants to call a medical timeout, they forfeit opponents next service game so when they restart it’s always on their serve. I think players would only get the physio/doctor out if it was a genuine issue in this scenario.
Thoughts tennis fans?”
His ideas did get a mixed response, but at least he is offering solutions.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting special: Rafael Nadal 11/10 to continue Grand Slam streak in 2019
-
Top 10: The best servers of 2018 by unique metric – does Roger Federer feature?
-
2018 Report Card: Kyle Edmund made strides but maybe missed out on leaps
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Haas makes bold prediction over Roger Federer’s future
-
Latest
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chief defends Novak Djokovic over quarantine note, saying ‘they were suggestions’
Craig Tiley jumps to Novak Djokovic’s defence.
-
News
Quarantine remains in place for 72 players ahead of Australian Open
Two Covid-19 cases have been deemed viral shedding.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith recalls sitting next to Judy Murray as her son won Wimbledon
We talk to Leon Smith about his coaching journey.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.