Jannik Sinner doesn’t foresee a significant shift in tennis following the decision to allow on-court coaching next year.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has recently announced that on-court coaching will be permitted at all events from January 1st following a decision made at their recent annual general meeting. This means that coaches will be allowed to issue advice verbally (as long as they are on the same side of the court as their player) or via hand signals at any time during the match except when points are being played. The ITF claims that the move will make the sport‘fairer and, potentially, more entertaining.’
However, the rule change has sparked backlash among some players with Taylor Fritz and Denis Shapovalov both criticising the move. They argue that this will hurt the mental aspect of the game with players no longer having to work out problems on their own.
As for world No.1 Sinner, he is less concerned about the use of off-court coaching at tournaments. It has already been used on a trial basis at every Grand Slam, as well as the ATP and WTA Tours since 2023.
“I don’t think it will change (tennis) incredibly much. Even now they are just some coaches who give advice at some times,” Sinner told reporters in Paris on Saturday.
“I believe that this sport is still — as a player, you are alone in the court and trying to figure out alone what the situation is. But there are already some connections with the coach (during matches). You already understand what he’s talking about and what he’s suggesting, so I don’t think it’s going to change incredibly much.
“We haven’t seen a big change when there is no coaching, no? Because you watch the coach, you understand him already for years, and, you know, so you understand what’s coming.
“So let’s see. But I don’t think it’s going to be a big change”.
Sinner spoke about the topic ahead of the Paris Masters where he is bidding to become the first Italian to win the tournament since 1977. He has already won seven ATP titles this season, including both the Australian Open and US Open.
He faces a tricky path to the Paris title with Ben Shelton and former champion Holger Rune potentially being the first two players he faces. He is on the opposite side of the draw to Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev who he will only play against in Paris if he and one of them reach the final.
“It’s a very, very tough draw. But we go day by day. Anything can happen. The draw can open up sometimes or you never know what’s coming.” He said.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m focused on myself, and hopefully, I can raise the level from the last two years I came here, which I have struggled a little bit here on this court.”
Paris is the 15th ATP tournament the 23-year-old is playing this year. Overall he has played 71 matches on the Tour, winning 65 of them. Despite this, Sinner insists that he isn’t feeling fatigued too much.
“I feel like we (Sinner’s team) made some very, very good choices throughout this whole year, trying to be ready also for the end of the year.” He explained.
“I’m happy to be here, and then for me, the main event is going to be in Turin (at the ATP Finals).
The first round of the Paris Masters will begin on Monday.
