"I’m in favour": Four-time doubles Grand Slam winner supports ITF's decision to allow off-court coaching

Two-time Davis Cup winner Paul McNamee believes that allowing off-court coaching during the match is the right step. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recently announced changes in rules for the sport from January 01, 2025 where players will be allowed to have the assistance of their coaches during the match.

The decision was criticised by some of the big-name players in men’s tennis in particular. World number six Taylor Fritz, who recently became the first American to play in the final of the US Open in 18 years, openly criticised the decision in a post on social media platform X. "Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE,” he wrote.

Fritz was later supported by Canada’s Denis Shapovalov who stated that the change of rules will going to change the essence of tennis where it was all about staying on the court alone and fight your battles without support from the coaching staff. "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,” he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

However, former Australia’s doubles number one McNamee, in a post on X, appreciated the decision by ITF. The 69-year-old, who has won four Grand Slams in the doubles category, was of the opinion that such a move will definitely help the players who are struggling on the court. "Many players up in arms that @ITFTennis have now approved off court coaching, as occurs now at ATP & WTA events. I coach at all of the above, and can say the ITF Futures level, where players are struggling both on & off the court, is where coaching is most needed. I’m in favour,” he wrote.