A fractured North American hard court season was waylaid early on, with the 25-year-old defaulted after a heated exchange with a fan.

Subsequently getting nowhere in Montreal, Cincinnati, or the US Open, Denis Shapovalov has since cut a frustrated figure despite a recent slight upturn in results.

Now with an admittedly controversial new rule set to be added at the beginning of next year, Shapovalov has been quick to air his grievances once again.

‘Sad’ Denis Shapovalov blasts new ITF rule

Shapovalov’s disgruntled and unhappy behavior on-court has unfortunately helped cultivate an intensely bitter one off it.

With criticism for the ATP after Cincinnati crowd trouble and a combined effort with Nick Kyrgios to blast Jannik Sinner over his doping case, Shapovalov looks to be in a bad way in virtually every sense.

Now, with the ITF announcing a rule change to allow off-court coaching from January 1 2025 – a move they consider in the interest of fairness and fun – the Canadian stands in the opposite camp.

He wrote on X on Monday: Not just as a tennis player but as a fan of this sport it’s sad to see this new off court coaching rule.

“Tennis is special because you are out there alone. Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game,” he said.

It’s a move that has been poorly received by many, with fans branding the rule change an ‘awful decision’.

While Shapovalov’s criticisms normally come from previous grievances or a projection of his own securities, he touches on a pertinent point here.

Denis Shapovalov is right to criticise the new ITF rule change

Normally, you might take the fiery Canadian’s opinions with a pinch of salt, especially given his history of volatile on-court behavior.

However, in a moment of clarity, he has managed to both understand and articulate the public mood.

While sports like soccer see coaches frequently step in to advise certain players, tennis is so exciting because of its ability to test an individual in multiple ways.

Champions of old have historically been able to problem solve with remarkable mental agility, working out for themselves how to adjust their tactics while under considerable pressure.

An increased reliance on external help may only expand the gulf between players who can and can’t afford coaches.

Allowing for more mid-match coaching may risk taking this thrilling facet of the sport away for good.

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