There have been numerous high-profile flashpoints as a consequence of tennis players receiving instructions from their coaches during matches over the years.
In-match coaching used to entail a greater risk of code violations, with some of the leading lights of the sport among those punished for taking advice while playing.
There are fewer restrictions on coaching, though, under the latest changes to the rules approved in mid-2022 which have been met with a mixed reaction from players and coaches.
What are the current rules and how much are players allowed to be coached during matches? Here’s what you need to know for the French Open and beyond.
MORE: Tennis scoring, explained: A guide to understanding the rules, terms & points system at French Open
Off-court coaching: What did the rules used to be?
Communications between players and coaches were generally banned, although regulations around coaching used to vary substantially between men’s overseeing body the ATP, women’s equivalent the WTA and different types of tournament and levels of the sport – and they still do, to a lesser extent.
In contrast to male players, for example, female players were allowed to request coaching on court once a set as long as it wasn’t a grand slam tournament. In-match coaching rules…
