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topicnews · October 26, 2024

“Far too much to do” – ATP legend Jimmy Connors doesn’t mince his words with a brutal interpretation of the controversial coaching rule

“Far too much to do” – ATP legend Jimmy Connors doesn’t mince his words with a brutal interpretation of the controversial coaching rule

“Why are you trying to change the beauty of this game?” A question asked by Denis Shapovalov on social media shocked the tennis world. He had a unique opinion on the new coaching rule introduced by the ITF. But isn’t it something that could be helpful for players? Since the update was officially released, there have been ongoing discussions on social media. While other players like Taylor Fritz also took a strong stance against the new dynamic, here’s what former pro and legendary American ATP star Jimmy Connors has to say about it.

Tennis legend Jimmy Connors openly criticized the new rule allowing off-court training on his podcast “Advantage Connors” (released October 25). Connors has always valued independence on the pitch and believes players should be well prepared before entering a game. “You’re supposed to do all your hard work, all your grinding, all your listening… to your coaches before games.” Connors highlighted. For him, the essence of tennis is using the preparation time wisely and relying on yourself during the actual game.

During that conversation, Connors also remembered a piece of advice from his own mentor (his mother). Jimmy Connors learned to hit the ball in promotion from his mother Gloria Connors, who was also his coach. This technique helped him dominate early in his career. At 16, Gloria sent him to Southern California to train with renowned trainer Pancho Segura. “If you don’t get it by now, you won’t get it in the next five minutes.” he said. This taught him the importance of trusting his training and instincts without looking to others in the middle of the game. “I just liked knowing they were in my corner.” Connors explained.

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Connors also noted the modern trend of players looking at their box after almost every point. He expressed his frustration and said: “What are they looking for? Coaching? Help? Divine intervention?” The players have it for him “There’s way too much to do down there[on court]” to focus on something other than the game itself. Connors believes the 2025 rule only confuses the purpose of the sport.

From January 1, 2025, the ITF will implement a significant rule change allowing off-court coaching at sanctioned events. According to revised Rule 30, “coaching” includes the following: “Communication, advice or instructions of any kind and by any means.” This means coaches can communicate from a location off the field during sanctioned events. In team events where a captain sits on the sidelines, coaches may provide instruction at specific times determined by the event’s sanctioning body. However, coaching on the pitch remains prohibited in standard competitions.

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In addition to Jimmy Connors, Rennae Stubbs provides insights into the new rule

Rennae Stubbs also commented on the controversial new rule that allows both ATP and WTA players to train on the court. With a touch of humor, Stubbs said: “Can we just laugh about this?” Stubbs, who has experience in tennis as both a player and a coach, believes coaching has always been a subtle part of the sport, even if it wasn’t officially allowed. “With training on the pitch, it was like I was playing and training and believe me when I tell you that even when it wasn’t allowed, everyone was training.” She explained, pointing out how players and coaches found ways to communicate discreetly.

Stubbs gave insight into the clever ways players passed on coaching tips during games without ever saying a word. “I think I can give a little tip; it means serve on the forehand,” Stubbs shared and described one of her own signaling techniques. She added: “You can fold your arms for cross-court.” These small moves allow players to gain strategic leadership without breaking previous rules. Stubbs pointed out that signals like these make enforcing a no-coaching rule challenging because they blend seamlessly into the game.

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Stubbs also expressed concerns that this new rule could exacerbate inequalities in tennis, particularly for lower-ranked players who may not have the means to travel with a coach. “If you’re a top player you get the practice courts for two hours, and a player ranked 60 gets it for one hour.” she said, pointing out the differences in preparation time. She pointed out that top players also gain an advantage by frequently training at large venues like Arthur Ashe Stadium, a luxury that lower-ranked players rarely get. “If you never play a game, you think, ‘This place is big’.” said Stubbs, explaining how limited exposure in larger venues can put weaker players at a disadvantage when they eventually compete on those stages.

As more and more companies agree with their rulings, it remains to be seen whether players and coaches will finally accept the rule.