In the new United Cup tournament that kicks off the 2023 season in Australia, cam norry and taylor fritz After splitting the first two sets, it was a close battle for the final set.
But Norry’s coach, Facundo Lugones, had some selective information to share. Norry returned to play and was underserved by Fritz on the deuce (or right) side and he had to back up, Lugones recalled. And when Norrie was serving, Lugones saw that Norrie had served the ball wide to Fritz’s forehand, winning all on the deuce side, and urged him to do more.
Thirteenth-placed Norry won the third set 6-4. It’s impossible to call the coaching the deciding factor — the players had to score shots — but it added an additional wrinkle for players and fans.
The WTA began allowing in-game coaching in 2020, but the ATP also debuted coaching last summer, making the French Open the third Grand Slam tournament to allow men’s tennis.
Exchanges are restricted. Hand signals are currently allowed, but the player and coach can only talk for his 25 seconds between points if the player is on the side the coach is sitting on. (Outside Grand Slams, the WTA allows female players to have more than one conversation per set during changeovers.)
Still, many players, including 9th-ranked Fritz, criticized the change, calling it a “stupid rule” that goes against the philosophy of the individual sport. Lugones said Norry also “doesn’t really like on-court coaching. Most guys love one-on-one fights.” He said he doesn’t say much when things are going well.
Zhang Zhizhen In Madrid this month, he climbed from 99th to 69th after beating Denis Shapovalov, Norry and Fritz in a week after returning home from coaching. “I don’t like it when my coach talks to me. It confuses me and complicates things,” said Jijen. “Sometimes I say, ‘Stop, you talk too much.'”
Many players want at least outside advice and encouragement.
“Coach really helps with small changes because you can see more from the outside. It will tell you what you need to keep, and that can make a difference.” Rohan Bopannaranked 11th in doubles.
Mandatory brevity has its limits, but live coaching can be effective, third person said Jessica Pegula. “Now you can change your game plan a little faster.” Jan Leonard StruffThe 28th-ranked man said psychological pushing is just as important in tough matches. “Then the key is positive energy and a good atmosphere,” said Struff.
15th place Hubert Harkach He agreed that “big picture strategies” and psychological boosts can really help, but added that they can sometimes cut off communication. “Sometimes you can say, ‘Okay,’ and focus on yourself,” he said.
Fritz also communicates regularly during matches. his coach, Michael RussellHe said 70% of the interactions were about mental games — “stay positive, point by point, keep your feet moving” — and 30% were more tactical and strategic.
“Players can get so focused that they can’t see the big picture,” said Russell, adding that while responding to trends Russell has noticed, his suggestions often enhance pre-match planning. rice field. “There are games where Taylor hits a backhand crosscourt and is too comfortable with extending rallies. is going to tell him to do that and hurt the other person more.”
But Russell said his advice was broad and didn’t tell Fritz where to serve at the next point.
“I don’t want to be specific, because if it doesn’t work out on the next point, you’re making him negative,” Russell said. He also doesn’t want Fritz to overthink things, so he doesn’t make technical adjustments like saying the toss is too low unless it’s a blatant issue.
Lugones said the limit, perhaps to five words, limits the amount of practical instruction possible, often in remote areas of stadiums filled with screaming fans. Stated. Norrie asks for more advice depending on the match, but the consultation is very brief.
“I can’t fully explain the change in pattern. It can backfire if players don’t hear or understand you,” he said. “That’s why in-game coaching is often more mental than tactical.”
This is especially true for men at Grand Slams, where matches can last five sets and last four to five hours.
“The Slams are like a roller coaster. We have to remind the players that there are a lot of momentum swings and whoever handles them well wins the game,” Lugones said. . “Be patient and remember you have time to change things.”
Russell added that he will remind Fritz about nutrition and calorie intake as the match progresses and not rush through points when fatigue sets in. But when a player is tired, he added, his best bet is to growl and encourage him like Mickey, the trainer at the game. Movie “Rocky”.
“Let them see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Russell said.
During the United Cup match between Norry and Fritz, coaches had access to live-streaming data, which helped them see patterns they were seeing, Lugones said. “It’s good, especially in long games,” he said.
He wants more data to be used during matches, but he also wants the men’s tour to amend the rule that allows one live conversation per set during changeovers. “I will have more time to explain my tactics and make sure the players are listening to it,” he said.
Lugones would also be open to having TV audiences listen, as other sports often put their coaches on microphones. “If it’s good for the sport and it attracts more fans, so be it,” he said.