The ATP will test off-court coaching in the second half of the year, with players set to receive instruction in qualifying and main draw matches at tournaments including the US Open and ATP Finals, men’s tennis’s governing body said on Tuesday. .
The test will allow a person to train a player from a designated seat, both verbally and non-verbally, provided that it does not interrupt play or impede the opponent.
It begins the week of July 11 and runs until the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin in November, a move that the body says will enhance the fan experience at the tournament.
“In recent years, the sport has tested various coaching rules, including on-court coaching and coaching via headsets,” the ATP said in a statement.
“Today’s announcement brings alignment to the second half of the season on the ATP Tour, the US Open and the WTA Tour, where an off-court coaching trial is already in place.”
Verbal coaching must consist of only a few words and will only be permitted if the player is on the same end of the court as their coach, while non-verbal coaching – through hand signals – will be permitted at any time.
“When a player leaves the court for any reason, the coach may not talk to his player,” the ATP said.
The ATP said penalties and fines for misuse or abuse of coaching terms would apply and the trial would be evaluated at the end of the 2022 season for possible inclusion in the future.
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