Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion on the ITF's decision to allow coaching during matches

Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion on the ITF’s decision to allow coaching during matches

Posted by Admin October 31, 2024 Tennis

Daniil Medvedev is the latest star to weigh in on the new International Tennis Federation (ITF) rule that will allow off-court coaching.

The ITF wants to make tennis fairer with its new off-court coaching rule, which will come into effect in 2025.

But Denis Shapovalov is against off-court coaching, while Rennae Stubbs has laughed about the new coaching rule.

The ITF made the decision after trialling the change across the ATP and WTA tours, with coaches soon able to advise players any time other than during a point.

Advice to players such as Medvedev must be brief, with coaches able to issue it verbally or through the use of hand signals.

Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev reacts to new ITF coaching rule

Whether or not it represents a major change to the current scene remains to be seen, but ATP number five Medvedev is seemingly indifferent about the rule.

Asked how much of an impact coaching from the stands has on matches, he said in his latest Paris Masters press conference: “I don’t know. I don’t think it can make a huge difference. It can make some difference, and I’m okay with it.

READ MORE: How much money Daniil Medvedev earned from his 68-minute loss to Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam

“Like, you know, if some coach tells to my opponent, serve to his forehand more now, whatever, it’s a tennis game. It’s okay. He could have thought about it himself. If it’s his coach who tells him, I don’t care.

“For me, it’s not a problem. Yeah, and I don’t have anything like against it or for it. If it would not be there, I would be happy. It’s there, I’m happy. Whatever.”

Daniil Medvedev suffers shock Paris Masters exit to Alexei Popyrin

Medvedev is in a comfortable position at this stage of the season, having secured qualification for the ATP Finals.

But he would perhaps still like to be honing his skills at the Paris Masters this week, which is now not an option after his early exit.

Medvedev, the fourth seed in the French capital, suffered a disappointing defeat to Alexei Popyrin in his opening match.

READ MORE: Umpire admits that ‘terrible’ call was made as Alexei Popyrin beats Daniil Medvedev at Paris Masters

The Australian emerged victorious 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7-4) over the former world number one in their second round meeting.

It has been a tricky season for the Russian, who is yet to win a title in 2024, although he does have a 45-18 win-loss record.