Rule changes in sports come with their share of controversies, don’t they? While every coin has two sides, this is also true for sporting rules as some players come in support of the change while others oppose it. Earlier today, a similar situation emerged after the ITF announced a new rule for off-court coaching. It has seen much debate, with the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas and his father, who was his ex-coach, often coming under the scanner. While the new rule might please Tsitsipas, Denis Shapovalov was left dejected with this change.

As per the new rules, off-court coaching is allowed except when the point is being played. It is, however, subject to coaching being permitted by the sanctioning body of each event. Earlier, this wasn’t allowed and led to a code violation being handed by the chair umpires. However, with the new rule, Shapovalov feels that the uniqueness of the sport will be lost.

The Canadian pro took to his official X handle and wrote, “Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it’s sad to see this new off-court coaching rule. Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game.”

The committee that approved the new rule felt that the rule, which will be applicable from 1 January 2025, will align with the approaches to coaching across the international sanctioning bodies of tennis. Additionally, it will reduce the burden on chair umpires and the subjectivity of decision-making.

While players like Tsitsipas have been involved in the on and off-court coaching sagas in the past, many players like Shapovalov have strongly objected to it. The rule change by the ITF came as a shock to the Canadian star, who was left saddened by this decision. Interestingly, on and off-court coaching was also opposed by one of the greatest players of all time, Roger Federer.

When Roger Federer criticized off-court coaching rule: ‘Don’t think it’s necessary’

Back in 2019, the WTA allowed the players to receive on-court coaching. However, the ATP wasn’t in favor of this rule and served code violations if the players disobeyed the rule. Roger Federer was one of the players who called out the WTA’s rule that supported on-court coaching.

During the Wimbledon Championships that year, Federer told reporters, “In my opinion we shouldn’t have coaching in tennis. I’m a big believer in that. I know some people are completely on my side. Some people are, Why not? Every other sport has it. I guess you can see both angles… I don’t think it’s necessary, to be honest. Then we go deeper into the sport where maybe I can obviously afford more coaching than others. Is that fair? It is what it is. I think it puts everybody on an even playing field if there’s no coaching.”

With Federer voicing his concerns five years ago, Denis Shapovalov followed him in calling out the on and off-court coaching rule. Nonetheless, the ITF has already made the ruling supporting off-court coaching and one can expect some major shifts in the tennis world with this new coaching rule.