US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic has hailed the introduction of the new on-field coaching rule in Tennis. The 23-time Grand Slam champion called it a ‘welcome change’. However he wants the ATP to further add more innovations to the rule. He suggested the introduction of ‘headset communication’, that according to him would make the communication much easier.
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What is the on-court coaching rule?
The ATP gave a green signal to the on-field coaching since July 2022. This rule permits the coaches and players to communicate with hand signals. They are also allowed to talk during the time between the points. However this is applicable only when the player is on the side where the coach is seated.
This basically allows players to get valuable advice from their coaches especially during crunch situations. There have been mixed reactions to this rule from the players and coaches.
Novak Djokovic gave out his full support to the new rule. Speaking about it, he said, “I understand that there are some opponents of this coaching rule that are saying, ‘Yeah you are a Tennis player, individual athlete, so you have to figure things by yourself.'”
“Well you have to figure them out anyway even if a coach comes in. You still have to play yourself right? There is no substitution. So it’s good. I am supportive of that.” he added.
He also suggested further innovations in it by stating, “I am actually supportive of the on-court coaching or headset communication. Whatever ways of getting more coaching, I think it’s good for the audience. Good for the players.”
The ATP already allows this feature of ‘headset communication’ in the Next-gen ATP Finals. The tournament between the season’s best Under-21 players allows the players to communicate with their coaches through headphones during changeovers.
Novak Djokovic meanwhile has entered the third round at the US Open. The World No.1 now has an easy path to the final following flurry of upsets in the second round of the tournament. Fifth seed Casper Ruud and seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who were present in the same half as that of Djokovic suffered shocking second round losses.
Tsitsipas went down in five sets against Dominic Stricker. Ruud meanwhile lost to China’s Zhang Zhizhen. Djokovic meanwhile will next face fellow compatriot Laslo Djere in the third round.
