US Open stars divided as tournament bosses allow coaches to guide players from the stands for the first time… with British number one Cameron Norrie saying he won’t use it and Taylor Fritz admitting he ‘hates’ the rule change
- Coaches will be allowed to give players advice from the stands at the US Open
- Players are split by the rule which is being introduced for the first time in 2022
- British ace Cameron Norrie won’t take advantage and Taylor Fritz is unimpressed
Coaching from the stands is to be allowed on a trial basis at this year’s US Open, a move that has split the locker room.
Whatever an individual’s view, it is a major departure from the sport’s founding principles that a player is out there on their own and has to think for themselves about tactics.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has been regularly called for coaching violations, is unsurprisingly in favour. British No 1 Cam Norrie is among those against.
Coaching from the stands will be permitted for the first time when the US Open 2022 begins
World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas is in favour of the controversial amendment to the rules
‘I would say I prefer the traditional way of one versus one,’ commented Norrie. ‘But it doesn’t change much for me, I’m not going to use it too much.’
Top American Taylor Fritz went further, declaring that he ‘hates’ the trial: ‘I think that figuring it out for yourself on the court is a massive part of our sport. You have to change things up for yourself, figure out yourself what’s going on, adjust to what the opponent’s doing.’
As with the argument over the speed of the women’s balls — which are different and slightly quicker than those used by the men — players usually promote ideas in line with what is in their personal interest.
In theory the coaching relaxation will help the less smart and mentally weaker players, and those who can afford to employ the best staff.
Cameron Norrie is unlikely to take advantage of the change when he faces Benoit Paire first
The idea, dubious at best, is that it will add interest for TV viewers. Certainly the coaches with king-sized egos will enjoy the attention.
The timing is strange after the 2021 US Open proved to be one of the most engrossing tournaments in history, and not just because Emma Raducanu caused a sensation.
Hopefully Wimbledon, mindful of the game’s traditions, will have nothing to do with this latest innovation.
Norrie’s general view that the effects of its introduction will be limited may be right, at what looks the most open event for both men and women in years.
In the absence of Novak Djokovic defending champion Daniil Medvedev probably justifies being the bookies’ favourite. However neither he nor his closest challenger, Rafael Nadal, have much in the way of form coming in. Nick Kyrgios definitely has a chance, although he may not react well to the pressure of expectation.
The mercurial Australian has a late match on the opening evening against his close friend and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
World No 1 Iga Swiatek is one of those admitting she finds the ball harder to control at Flushing Meadows, making the women even harder to pick.
Romania’s Simona Halep might be better suited to the conditions and a credible outsider is France’s Caroline Garcia, who has enjoyed an excellent summer and could finally deliver on her early promise.
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