Taylor Fritz criticizes ITF and ATP on the newly official off-court coaching rule
Taylor Fritz is one of multiple ATP stars who have criticized the ITF and ATP for the newly announced off-court coaching rule.
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Taylor Fritz (Via Imago)
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz has voiced his opposition to the newly announced off-court coaching rule by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and International Tennis Federation (ITF). Starting in January 2025, tennis will allow off-court coaching, following recent trials on both the ATP and WTA tours. The decision was made during the governing body’s annual meeting.
The ITF claims that this rule will make tennis “fairer” and possibly “more entertaining.” Under the new rule, coaches can give advice either verbally or with hand signals, except while a point is being played. Coaching must remain “brief and discreet,” except during breaks.
In team events, the team captain, who sits on the court, will also be allowed to coach. Players will also have access to approved player analysis technology when coaching is allowed. However, Taylor Fritz didn’t seem happy with the new rule, and expressed the same on X.
Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE.
Taylor Fritz on X
Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE https://t.co/bXVQFl0Fj9
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) October 21, 2024
Canadian star Denis Shapovalov has also joined Fritz in criticizing the rule. He shared his displeasure on social media.
Coaching during matches has been a controversial topic, with players like Daniil Medvedev being accused of receiving illegal advice, notably during his 2022 Australian Open match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Tommy Paul battles Taylor Fritz for the US number one
Tommy Paul continued his strong season by winning his third tour-level title of 2024 at the Stockholm Open. The fourth seed defeated third seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in the final. Paul had previously won his first ATP Tour title at the same event in 2021. He is also competing with Taylor Fritz for the title of American number one.
I think it at one point it was kind of close but right now Fritz has spread the gap a little bit. He played amazing at the US Open and, of course, I want to be as highly ranked as I can but I have said it many times, I am not trying to be the number one ranked American at 11 in the world. We both want to be inside the top 10 or top five. If we are there and competing for number one, then it’s great. But I don’t want to be 11th and him be 15th. That’s not we want for American tennis, we want to be at the top of the game.
Tommy Paul in an interview
In his post-match press conference, Paul emphasized that his main focus is on improving American tennis overall. American men’s tennis has had a great year following a tough stretch in recent seasons.
Every time he does well I am pumped for him. I watched all his matches at the Open and he was one of the first people to text me after his match today. Same with Foe (Frances Tiafoe). He text me last night and was excited for me to try and get the title today. We have a good relationship amongst us, we are all competitive, but it’s good.
Tommy Paul added
Fritz made it to the US Open final last month, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. He is now ranked sixth in the ATP world rankings. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows but was knocked out by Fritz.
Paul also played well at the US Open, making it to the round of 16 before losing to Sinner in a close match. With his Stockholm Open win, Paul now joins Fritz in the top 10 of the Race to Turin. Fritz is currently ranked fifth in the standings.
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Fahad Hamid
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