The ATP announced on Tuesday (June 21) that off-court coaching will be tested later in the season, which will train the nominees in qualifying and main draw matches.
Verbal training will be allowed when players are on the court side of their coach, with non-verbal instructions – e.g. hand gestures – allowed at any time.
Patrick Mouratoglu coached former world number one Serena Williams and is now working with Simona Halep, and she welcomed the introduction.
Mouratoglu suggested that coaching methods have been used in “almost every match” for decades.
Mourtoglu was a staunch supporter of the ATP’s decision, while Kyrgios – who was ruled out of the Mallorca Championship due to injury – slammed and rejected the proposed change.
Hey friend! How are you man Income
Glad to see you
nickkirgios
steftsitsipas
pic.twitter.com/HgLWSGMYqY
– Mallorca Championship (allMallorcaChamps)
June 20, 2022
Kyrgios responded to Moratoglu’s post on Twitter, saying, “Absolutely disagree. It is the only feature that is missing in any other sport. “
“The player had to figure things out for himself. That was his beauty. What happens to a low-ranked player versus a high-profile player who has or does not have one?
[cannot]
Can the coach afford it? “
The trial will begin on July 11 and will be evaluated at the end of the 2022 season to assess the potential inclusion of off-court coaching in subsequent seasons.
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