The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced that off-court coaching will be allowed as of the first day of 2025.
Recent trials have been put into effect in team events, but the change means every tournament will operate under the rule.
ITF senior executive director for integrity and legal, Stuart Miller, said the change was made after consultation with people involved in the sport.
"We’ve gathered feedback from all key stakeholders including players, coaches and chair umpires," Miller said.
"Players felt it was a positive development and makes tournaments more interesting for them."
This is what it means:
Coaches can issue advice either verbally or via hand signals at any time except during the playing of a point.
Coaching must be "brief and discreet", except during breaks in play.
In team events only, where a team captain sits on court, the team captain may also give coaching advice.
Players can access approved "player analysis technology" at times when coaching is permitted.
Undoubtedly a hot topic over the years, world No.93 Denis Shapovalov was left unimpressed by the adjustment.
"Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it's sad to see this new off-court coaching rule," the Canadian wrote on X. "Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game?"
Meanwhile, former Australian player John Millman wrote on X: "Off-court coaching sucks."
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