"I don't think it's going to change incredibly much": Jannik Sinner weighs in on debate surrounding change of rules in tennis

Italy’s Jannik Sinner believes that the change of tennis rules allowing on-court coaching during the matches will not change much. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has recently announced changes in the rules of the sport. One of the most significant changes in tennis will see on-court coaching during the matches. The rule will be in effect from January 01, 2025.

America’s Taylor Fritz was one of the most high-profile players who raised objections about the new rule. "Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE,” he wrote in a post on his official account on social media platform X. Sinner, who recently defeated Fritz in the final of the US Open recently in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, has also spoke about the new rule.

The reigning world number one, who won two Grand Slams this year, stated the rule is unlikely to change much on the tennis court. The 23-year-old, who is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category, believes that there are coaches already who pass instructions despite sitting in the stands.

"Yeah, I don't think it will change like incredibly much,” he said. “Even now they are just some coaches who still, you know, give some advice at some times. So, you know, 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, you know, there are already, you know, some connections with the coach, and then you understand already what he's talking about and what he's suggesting already, so I don't think it's going to change incredibly much. We haven't seen, like, a big, 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, big change.”