Daniil Medvedev has shared his thoughts on the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) decision to allow off-court coaching, echoing Jannik Sinner’s perspective that the change is unlikely to have any significant impact on the sport. Their outlook stands in stark contrast to Taylor Fritz, who recently aired his grievances with the rule change.

The ITF’s new policy, which will permit off-court coaching at all levels of international tennis from January 1, 2025, has stirred controversy in the tennis world. The likes of Fritz, Denis Shapovalov and Coco Gauff’s ex-coach Brad Gilbert have voiced their objections to the change.

Taylor Fritz expressed his frustration with the announcement on social media, lashing out at the ITF for “ruining” the mental and strategic aspects of the sport.

“Can we stop ruining the 1v1 mental/strategic aspect of the sport PLEASE,” Fritz posted on X.

However, not all players shared Fritz’s concerns, with Jannik Sinner downplaying the impact of the new off-court coaching rules. Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 Paris Masters, Sinner asserted that while coaches may provide advice, the players were still on their own when competing, preserving the mental element of the sport.

“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,” Jannik Sinner said.

Daniil Medvedev echoed Sinner’s sentiments after his narrow 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4) loss to Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the Paris Masters. During his post-match press conference, the World No. 5 expressed his belief that off-court coaching wouldn’t make a huge difference in the sport.

“I don’t know. I don’t think it can make a huge difference. It can make some difference, and I’m okay with it. Like, you know, if some coach tells to my opponent, serve to his forehand more now, whatever, it’s a tennis game. It’s okay. He could have thought about it himself. If it’s his coach who tells him, I don’t care,” he said.

Medvedev also highlighted his indifference towards the controversial rules, emphasizing that he didn’t view them as a problem.

“For me, it’s not a problem. Yeah, and I don’t have anything like against it or for it. If it would not be there, I would be happy. It’s there, I’m happy. Whatever,” he added.

Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz gear up for ATP Finals 2024 after Paris Masters exits

Like Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz also crashed out of the 2024 Paris Masters in the second round. Taking on Jack Draper in his tournament opener, the American suffered a 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 loss to the Brit. Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, pulled out of the Masters 1000 event due to his struggles with a virus.

All three players will be back in action at the ATP Finals, scheduled to commence on November 10. While Medvedev is on the hunt for his second ATP Finals title, both Sinner and Fritz will aim to clinch their maiden title at the year-end championships.

Alongside Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have also secured their spots at the prestigious event. Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev are next in line in the Race to the ATP Finals.