Jannik Sinner downplays the potential effects of off-court coaching after ITF's approval; takes contrary stance to Taylor Fritz

Jannik Sinner recently suggested that the decision of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to allow off-court coaching won't have any significant impact on the sport going forward. Sinner's suggestion comes days after Taylor Fritz voiced his objection to it.

Earlier this month, the ITF released a statement explaining its decision to allow off-court coaching at all ATP, WTA, and ITF events from January 1, 2025. Once the rule becomes effective, it is likely to result in coaches getting more involved during matches—something that World No. 6 Taylor Fritz does not appreciate.

Soon after the ITF released its statement on the subject, the development was shared on X (formerly Twitter). 2024 US Open finalist Fritz took notice of it and wrote:

"Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE"

Now, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has shared his own thoughts on the off-court coaching rule. Sinner aired his take on the matter during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters. According to the Italian, the rule will not radically shake things up, as there already are some coaches who are a bit more vocal than others and like to advise their players during matches.

"Yeah, I don't think it will change like incredibly much. Even now they are just some coaches who still, you know, give some advice at some times. So, you know, I believe that this sport is still -- as a player, you are alone in the court and trying to figure out alone what the situation is," Sinner said.

"But, you know, there are already, you know, some connections with the coach, and then you understand already what he's talking about and what he's suggesting already, so I don't think it's going to change incredibly much," he added.

The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion went on to say that even when there was no coaching allowed, players who had been working with their coaches for a long time could subtly understand each other.

"We haven't seen, like, a big, big change when there is no coaching, no? Because you watch the coach, you understand him already for years, and, you know, so you understand what's coming. So let's see. But I don't think it's going to be a big, big change," Sinner concluded.

Jannik Sinner is one of the favorites for the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters title. However, his draw is seemingly a daunting one.

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Jannik Sinner faces the possibility of facing Ben Shelton and then Holger Rune in his first two Paris Masters 2024 matches

Jannik Sinner (Source: Getty)

As the top seed in the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters main draw, Jannik Sinner has received a first-round bye. In the second round, the Italian is likely to face Ben Shelton.

The big-serving American was initially set to lock horns against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round. However, with the Canadian having pulled out of the ATP Masters 1000 event with a back injury, Shelton is now slated to meet either a qualifier or a special exempt.

If Jannik Sinner does clash against Ben Shelton and win, he is likely to encounter Holger Rune in the third round. Taylor Fritz, who Sinner defeated in the 2024 US Open final, is also in the Italian's top quarter.

Sinner has already won three Masters 1000 tournaments this year, with the most recent one coming at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where the Italian came out on top against Novak Djokovic in the final.