Taylor Fritz is leading the backlash against the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) decision to allow off-court coaching from 2025.
On Monday, the ITF confirmed off-court coaching will be allowed from 1 January, 2025 following a decision made at the governing body’s annual general meeting this month.
Fritz has criticised the ITF over their decision to allow off-court coachingGetty
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.
Fritz, the World No. 6, has made no secret of his criticism in the past, describing it as a “dumb rule” after a win against Nick Kyrgios two years ago, and claiming he hadn’t communicated with coach Michael Russell despite the change.
“I haven’t talked to Mike and he hasn’t talked to me one time since the coaching has become a thing. It’s a dumb rule,” Fritz said.
“Tennis is an individual sport. Why are we making it not an individual sport?
“A huge part of tennis is, in my mind, like as tennis is as much mental as it is physical, and a big part of it is you need to be figuring it out on the court for yourself.
“You need to be the one figuring it out.”
The US Open finalist took another shot at the ITF’s decision on Monday, accusing them of ruining the sport.
“Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport please,” Fritz wrote on X.
It was then pointed out to him that players have already been following the rule on a trial basis for two years, which prompted further response.
“I have a joke with my team that ‘trial basis’ in ATP terms just means it’s a new permanent rule but call it a trial so people don’t freak out…. We’ve been on this trial for 2 years I guess now, kinda proves my point,” he added.
Fritz was not the only player to share his opinion on the decision, with former world No. 10 Denis Shapovalov equally as critical, suggesting it was “sad to see”.
“Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game,” he posted on X.
Recently-retired Australian tennis player John Millman also shared his thoughts, writing: “Off-court coaching sucks.”
Kyrgios, meanwhile, shared Fritz’s posts, signalling that he shares the same feelings.
The backlash is unlikely to force any change in the rules, with ITF senior executive director Stuart Miller saying the decision had been made after consulting with 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.”
