“Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE,” was an urge, presented by Taylor Fritz against ITF’s new rule. While the organization is optimistic about introducing a fresh dynamic that would allow the intervention of coaches between matches, players don’t really seem to be happy about it. Despite the criticism of the current players though, some of the former players, and coaches who’ve dedicated a major part of their lives to the sport, are in support of the rule. Amid Iga Swiatek‘s preparation for an anticipated comeback, one of her mentors stepped forward to state his thoughts on the matter.

The captain of Poland’s Billie Jean King Cup team, Dawid Celt strongly supports a greater role for coaches during tennis matches. He believes that tennis has traditionally left players to fend for themselves on the court, and the pandemic further restricted coach-player interactions. In an interview with “Misja Sport,” Celt said, “Tennis players are basically alone on the court… the pandemic eliminated coach access.” He highlighted how coaches often had limited ways to communicate in the past, which led them to hide their advice, a practice he found unnecessary. “It was often the case that coaches would hide their tips, it was pointless!”

Celt envisions a more interactive approach where coaches can provide quick guidance and offer brief but valuable inputs, whether through motivational words or specific instructions. “If you have him close to you, you should be able to freely exchange information,” he stressed. According to Celt, this would create a more dynamic relationship between the player and coach and will improve the overall match experience for both.

Starting January 2025, the ITF will introduce a rule change allowing off-court coaching in sanctioned events. Under the revised Rule 30, coaches will be allowed to offer guidance from off-court locations during specific times, such as between points, during changeovers, or during set breaks. This shift aims to ensure the sport adapts to modern demands while maintaining its traditional essence. The ITF approved this rule change at its 2024 Annual General Meeting and it will now give players the chance to use real-time feedback and Player Analysis Technology to gain an edge during matches. However, on-court coaching will still remain prohibited in standard competitions.

Coming back to Celt, there were speculations that he might take on the role of coaching Iga Swiatek for the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Celt is a well-known figure in Polish tennis and also happens to be the husband of former World No. 2 Agnieszka Radwańska. However, these rumors faded when Swiatek announced that Wim Fissette, Naomi Osaka’s former coach, would join her team as the lead coach. Celt’s schedule, already packed with the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals, would have clashed with the WTA Finals, making his involvement with Swiatek logistically difficult. With Fissette now on board, Celt can focus on leading the Polish team in the Billie Jean King Cup.

But while the new off-court coaching guidelines have been backed by Celt, the Canadian pro Denis Shapovalov has a different opinion.

Denis Shapovalov Slams ITF’s New Off-Court Coaching Rule

Denis Shapovalov recently went again at odds with tennis authorities. The Canadian voiced his displeasure over the ITF’s decision to allow off-court coaching starting in 2025. Known to be never shy about his opinions, Shapovalov took to social media to express his frustrations. For him, the essence of tennis lies in the individual struggle, and this rule change diminishes that. “Tennis is special because you are out there alone,” he wrote.

The 25-year-old has had a rough season both on and off the court. After clashing with a fan and being defaulted during the North American hard-court swing, he failed to make progress in key tournaments like Montreal, Cincinnati, and the US Open. His frustrations have spilled over into his criticism of this new rule, which he believes undermines the sport’s unique qualities. “Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game?” he asked, reflecting the concerns of many traditionalists.

Shapovalov is not alone in opposing this move. Fans have also reacted negatively, some have called the rule change an “awful decision.” Shapovalov reflects a broader sentiment of those who value tennis as a one-on-one mental battle. His stance has resonated with many who fear the sport might lose its essence with the new rule. What do you think about it?