The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced a significant change for the 2025 season: allowing coaches to give off-court guidance during matches. This change aims to level the playing field and increase the excitement of watching tennis. Under the new rule, coaches will be allowed to give advice to their players at any time, except during active play. Although many players and coaches support the change, world number one Jannik Sinner has a neutral view, believing it won’t affect matches significantly.
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Jannik Sinner and His View on On-Court Coaching
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Paris Masters, Jannik Sinner shared his thoughts on ITF’s new rule. The Italian star expressed minimal concern over the change, stating that off-court coaching won’t significantly impact the performance of professional players. Sinner commented, “I don’t think the new rule will change much. Even now, some coaches occasionally give advice during matches.”
Sinner also emphasized that tennis is fundamentally a solo sport, where players make their own decisions. He explained that the connection between players and coaches has been developed over many years, so players often understand their coach’s intentions without direct instruction. “On the court, you still have to figure things out and react to situations on your own. So I don’t think this will be a major change,” he added.
Mixed Reactions from Other Players
Besides Sinner, other players have also voiced varying opinions on the new rule. ATP star Taylor Fritz argued that allowing coaching might affect the mental aspect of the game. According to Fritz, one of tennis’s unique qualities is the players’ ability to be self-reliant and handle situations without outside intervention. His view suggests that the change might detract from the sport’s individual value.
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Meanwhile, renowned tennis figure Rennae Stubbs suggested that the rule could create an imbalance, as players with well-resourced and talented coaches might gain a significant advantage. This is one of the reasons why the ITF wants to conduct extensive testing before officially implementing the rule in the new season.
Sinner’s Impressive Season in 2024
With outstanding performance in the 2024 season, Jannik Sinner has achieved remarkable success. He has claimed titles at the Shanghai Masters and the Six Kings Slam, victories that have helped him maintain his top position in the world rankings and lead the Race to Turin. These achievements have bolstered his confidence in facing changes in match rules without worrying too much about their impact on his performance.
At the upcoming Paris Masters, Sinner is considered the top seed and will start in the round of 32 after receiving a first-round bye. His thorough preparation and confidence in the current season have fans hopeful he will continue his high-level play in this tournament.
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A New Direction for Tennis
The ITF’s decision to allow off-court coaching is not just a minor adjustment but also a sign of the organization’s desire to enhance the viewing experience of tennis. The ITF believes that off-court coaching can help audiences better understand players’ strategies, adding excitement to watching high-level matches. However, to achieve these goals while maintaining fairness, the ITF will face numerous challenges in testing and implementation.
Besides providing spectators with deeper insights into the game, the new rule could be a significant step forward in improving match quality. However, the change must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not alter the essence of tennis—a sport where players rely on themselves and face unique challenges.
With varying opinions from players and coaches, ITF’s new rule on off-court coaching will be a notable aspect in the 2025 season. While Jannik Sinner and some players are not overly concerned about this change, contrasting opinions will continue to fuel debates over whether the new rule is truly necessary. For Sinner, who has displayed exceptional form and confidence in his ability to handle on-court situations independently, this change may not make much of a difference.
Tennis fans worldwide will keep watching to see if this rule actually makes a real impact and whether Jannik Sinner can maintain his top position in the upcoming season.
