Announcement: Coaching allowed during matches
Mexico City, June 21st, 2022.- Starting July 11th and until the end of the season (November), the ATP has announced that they will allow coaching “off court” during qualifying and main draw matches as a trial, following the example that the WTA already implemented in 2020.
Over the years, different players have been warned during games for this practice, with Stefanos Tsitsipas being the most recient player accused of receiving advice from his father and coach Apostolos Tsitsipas in some matches.
Now coaches and their players will be able to interact whenever they consider necessary during different tournaments, as a trial, of course always respecting the rules.
The Mifel Tennis Open, takes part on the second half of the ATP tour calendar, so attendees will be able to closely watch how the coaching practice works. This could mean the end of an era if after the trial period it`s decided to leave this practice permanently.
The ATP has been very clear in the conditions that it will authorize:
• Coaches must be seated in their designated área only.
• Coaching (verbal and non-verbal) is only allowed if it does not interrupt the game and does not create a distraction during the opponent’s point or turn.
• Verbal coaching is only allowed when the player is on the same side of his serve/court
• Non-verbal coaching (signs) are allowed at any given moment.
• Verbal coaching will consist of a few words and/or short phrases, full conversations or indications are not allowed at any moment.
• Coaches must not speak to their players when they abandono or leave the court for any reason.
• Sanctions or fines will be applied in case of misuse or negligence to respect.
The goal is to create some sort of intriguing moments or “on court” analysis that may fuel the fans curiosity or entertainment experience, as well as to provide players with some playing consistency.
It is worth mentioning that in previous years the tour had launched these sort of trials while coaching “on court” thru the use of headphones. Mainly on the NextGen finals, where this modality received some criticism, or non acceptance.