US Open: Live Coaching makes its debut; terms and conditions apply 

US Open is now permitting the entry of coaches inside the court during matches.

The new rule in tennis allows players to communicate with their respective coaches from the stands. However, the mentors must stick to their designated seats and interact with the players only when both parties are on the same courtside. 

Verbal and non-verbal coaching is allowed as long as it does not affect the decorum of the match or impact the opponent. The decision to implement the new rule tampers with the individuality of the sport.

However, it is part of a coaching trail in which the WTA and ATP Tours took a brief interest before the newest parameters were applied in the events leading up to the US Open.

Can the new rule affect the course of a tennis match?

The decision has received mixed feedback from the tennis community and raised concerns about its relevance. It is doubted whether it impacts the outcome or course of a tennis match. 

World number 12 Taylor Fritz, the top-ranked American on the ATP Rankings, criticised the move saying it killed the spirit of the sport. The 24-year-old believes it should not be a part of the sport.

He believes tennis should be an individual sport, free of external influence or help. People usually fail to see how mental and strategic the sport is. Fritz then dropped an example of watching a match from the outside. 

The spectator, in that instance, is not privy to what takes place up close. In these situations, a player must navigate the match on their own accord, as stated by the player. The American brought up the mental side of the sport and called it "unique."

World number one Iga Swiatek supports the move

Iga Swiatek, the world number one in the WTA Rankings, stated that the new rule enhances competition. She used football to explain her point and said that the sport allows coaches to shout even though eleven grown men are on the field. 

The squad is most likely aware of the tactics, but the coach is still actively involved during the game. Even basketball allows breaks. Although on-court coaching puts more weight on a player's team, it would leave other players who don't have external support susceptible to defeats.

Swiatek said it would change the role of the team. Her male counterpart Daniil Medvedev also approves of on-court coaching. According to Russia, the players faced problems before implementing the rule.

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