The ATP announced that it will allow “coaching” until the end of the season

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) announced on Tuesday that it will test the “coaching” until the end of this season of the men’s professional tennis circuit. The measure will give players the opportunity to receive instructions from their respective coaches during matches, something that was prohibited. In a statement, the entity said that this trial period will begin on July 11 and will last until the end of the year. Therefore, it will also be implemented during the US Open, the fourth Grand Slam of the year, and the Nitto ATP Finals, a contest that brings together the best eight tennis players of the season.” In addition to ensuring consistency in the sport for the benefit of players and fans, this testing phase will also seek to increase moments of intrigue and closeness to enhance the spectator experience,” the ATP said. It should be noted that since the beginning of 2020 in the WTA, the body that regulates the women’s professional tennis circuit, the coach is allowed to transmit gestural or verbal information. The entity specified that “coaching” will be allowed under the following conditions:Coaches must be seated in the seats designated by the tournament Coaching (verbal and non-verbal) is only allowed if it does not interrupt the game or create discomfort during the point to the opponent. Verbal coaching is allowed only when the player is on the same side of the court. Nonverbal coaching (hand signals) is allowed at any time. Verbal coaching may consist of short words and/or phrases (conversations are not allowed). Coaches should not speak to their players when they leave the court for any reason. Penalties and fines will apply for the abuse or misuse of the preconditions.

Original source in Spanish