Microphones Would Have Solved Off-Court Coaching Issue, Says Fritz

Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
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Microphones Would Have Solved Off-Court Coaching Issue, Says Fritz

Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)

Taylor Fritz believes the tennis authorities should have clamped down hard on off-court coaching rather than change the rules to allow it, saying it takes away from the sport's unique appeal.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) will allow off-court coaching from 2025 following trials at the four Grand Slams and ATP and WTA Tour events since 2023.

Fritz, who won his opening match at the ATP Finals on Sunday, thinks organizers have been bullied into the change.

"I think as far as it should go with the coach talking to you is giving you encouragement, saying, 'great shot, good job, keep going, keep fighting' stuff like that," the American told reporters in Turin after his win over Daniil Medvedev.

"I think when it gets into strategic, like 'back up, hit it this way more, cover this', I don't think that's (right).

"I think a lot of the reason they made this rule in the first place is they were almost in a way bullied into it because people would just break the rules anyway and coach anyway."

Fritz, who is at a career-high world number five, said the simple fix would have been to use microphones in coaching boxes.

"I think there should be mics in the boxes. I think there should be someone monitoring the mics. It should be very, very strict to where if anything goes past just encouragement, immediately you're penalized," he said.

"That's how you fix it. That's how you have no coaching. Players have to figure things out on their own. That's, like I said, one of the great things about tennis.

"It would be insane if someone could come on the court for you and serve, right? So why can someone tell you what to do?"

Fritz will face home favorite and world number one Jannik Sinner in his second group match on Tuesday.



Riyadh to Host Professional Fighters League Finals Friday for 1st Time in Saudi Arabia

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
TT

Riyadh to Host Professional Fighters League Finals Friday for 1st Time in Saudi Arabia

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA
This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this an event of this level - SPA

Riyadh is scheduled to host the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Finals on Friday, featuring elite global athletes in mixed martial arts.

This marks the first time the Kingdom has hosted this prestigious event, organized by the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation in collaboration with the PFL and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport. The event will take place at King Saud University's indoor arena, according to SPA.
The finals, part of a series of global events hosted by the Kingdom, will feature six main bouts across various official weight classes. Competitors will vie for titles and a total prize pool of $6 million, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the official matches.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of this event reflects its growing global status in recent years, establishing it as a preferred destination for regional and international sports events across all games, which underscores the Ministry of Sport's commitment to sustainable efforts aimed at achieving the sports objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 to reach sports excellence at all levels.