Mixed response from players over US Open coaching green light

A long-overdue rule change that brings tennis into line with other sports, or a violation of the game’s traditions?
The historic decision to allow coaching at the US Open for the first time has drawn a mixed response from players ahead of this year’s tournament.
Four years ago, Serena Williams erupted in fury during her US Open final defeat to Naomi Osaka after being penalised for receiving coaching from Patrick Mouratoglou.
This year, however, the rule that sparked Williams’ spectacular meltdown has been scrapped as part of a broader trial, meaning players can receive coaching advice from the stands.
Verbal and non-verbal coaching will be allowed provided it does not interrupt play or hinder the opponent, with verbal coaching only permitted when the player is at the same end of the court.
Greece’s world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas welcomed the move, arguing that it simply formalises an aspect of the game that has been going on for years.
Defending US Open champion Daniil Medvedev was sceptical how significant the rule change will be.
But American world number 12 Taylor Fritz is staunchly against the new coaching change, believing it undermines the individual problem-solving nature of the sport.
Women’s world number one Iga Swiatek was more circumspect.
“I understand that players say that it’s an individual sport, and we should all solve our problems on court just by ourselves,” Swiatek said.
“But on the other hand basically there’s coaching in most of sports.
“In football coaches can shout, even though there’s 11 grown men on the field and they should know what to do. They probably know the tactics, but he’s still talking. There are breaks in basketball.”