Trial run of coaching from stands

COACHING from the stands is to be allowed on a trial basis at this year’s US Open — in 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. Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has been regularly called for coaching violations, is unsurprisingly in favour. ‘My coach has not been as discreet as other coaches, but it has been always happening,’ he said. ‘Now that it’s legalised, I’m more than happy I won’t have to deal with referees that are so strict and want to kind of ruin the game. ‘Trust me, it’s happening with almost every single player. The fact that it’s legalised now is going to make tennis a bit more peaceful, make players concentrate more on the game, less on different kinds of nonsense.’ British No 1 Cameron Norrie (pictured) is among those who are against. ‘I would say that I prefer the traditional way of one versus one,’ commented the 27-year-old. ‘But it doesn’t change much for me, I’m not going to use it too much.’ Top American Taylor Fritz went further and declared that he ‘hates’ the trial. ‘I think that figuring it out for yourself on the court is a massive part of our sport,’ he said. ‘You have to change things up for yourself, you have to figure out what’s going on, adjust to what the opponent is doing.’ In theory, the coaching relaxation will help the less smart and mentally-weaker players, and those who can afford to employ the best staff. The idea, which is dubious at best, is that it will add interest for television viewers. Certainly the coaches with the biggest, kingsized egos will enjoy the attention it provides. Hopefully Wimbledon, which is more mindful of the game’s traditions, will have nothing to do with this latest innovation. Norrie’s view that the effects of its introduction will be limited may be right — at what looks like being the most open event for men and women in years. In the absence of Novak Djokovic, defending champion Daniil Medvedev probably justifies being the bookies’ favourite. However, neither the Russian nor his closest challenger, Rafael Nadal, have much in the way of form coming in to Flushing Meadows. Nick Kyrgios has a chance. The Australian has a late match on the opening evening against his close friend and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. The women’s tournament is much more difficult to pick. Romania’s Simona Halep might be better suited to the conditions than world No1 Iga Swiatek, while a credible outsider is France’s Caroline Garcia.