‘A Dumb Rule’ – American Star Taylor Fritz Slams the New Coaching Rule After His Win Over Nick Kyrgios in Cincinnati

Taylor Fritz is having perhaps the best season of his tennis career. Apart from having a consistent run across the tournaments this year, the American tennis star won the Indian Wells title and Eastbourne title. Additionally, he is one of the few players to have defeated Rafael Nadal this year, defeating the Spaniard in the summit clash in Indian Wells.

Fritz is currently in his home country to participate in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Recently, he defeated Nick Kyrgios to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the tournament. After the match, Fritz slammed the new coaching rule in tennis.

Taylor Fritz criticizes the latest coaching rule changes

During the post-match press conference after his round-of-32 win over Kyrgios, Fritz talked about the new coaching rule. He said, “It’s a dumb rule. Because tennis is an individual sport. Why are we making it not an individual sport? Tennis is as much mental as it is physical, and a big part of it is you need to be figuring it out on the court for yourself.” 

The new coaching rules allow coaches to communicate with the players via verbal and non-verbal signals, albeit with some restrictions. However, these signals should not interfere with the play of the opponents during the matches.

READ MORE: ‘It’s Time I Learn How to Play Tennis Now’ – Taylor Fritz’s Girlfriend Receives a Surprise Gift From Naomi Osaka

Earlier this year, we have seen many controversies related to coaches coaching their players during the matches. During the Australian Open semi-finals, Stefanos Tsitsipas received a warning for a coaching violation after his father coached him from the player’s box.

Fritz advances in Cincinnati

In the second round of the Western and Southern Open, the American star produced a scintillating display to knock out the in-form Nick Kyrgios. In a match lasting just 50 minutes, Fritz got the better of his Australian opponent in straight sets 6-3, 6-2.

WATCH THIS STORY: Nick Kyrgios’ uncontrollable rant at the chair umpire in the Miami Open 2022 

Further, in the round-of-16, the 24-year-old will take on Andrey Rublev. The latter had defeated Fabio Fognini to enter the pre-quarterfinals. It will be the sixth meeting between Rublev and Fritz, with Fritz winning three of the five matches played between them so far.

Do you agree with Taylor Fritz and his views on the new coaching rules? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.