WIMBLEDON: Britain’s top-ranked tennis player on the men’s Tour is unconvinced that a new trial involving coaching during matches will have any impact.
Cameron Norrie, who is the ninth seed at Wimbledon this year, said he prefers the ‘traditional’ way of tennis amid a new move by the men’s governing body. Recently the ATP announced that they will allow the use of off-court coaching during Tour matches until the end of the year. Under the new rules, coaches will be allowed to speak to players from their seats when the player is on their side of the court. Hand signals will also be permitted for the first time. The trial is also set to take place at the US Open.
“For me, I really like the tradition of tennis and having it kind of one v. one without the coaching. But you kind of see it a little bit, people coach here and there,” Norrie said on Monday.
“I like it one v. one. You’re out there by yourself. You have to figure it out. But I don’t think it really makes that much difference. I don’t care too much.”
The world No.12 cites his first round match at The All England Club as an example when discussing the effectiveness of coaching during matches. Norrie defeated Spain’s Pablo Andújar 6-0, 7-6(3), 6-3, in what was a rain-interrupted encounter.
“I don’t think it’s going to change too much what someone can tell you too much in the middle of a match,” he explained.
“Today, I came off (the court) twice. I was speaking to my coach. He spoke to his coach. I don’t think the tactics or anything of the match changed too much.’
“I would say I like it (the ATP coaching rules) the way it was before. If they change it, I don’t think it matters to me too much.”
Norrie is one of only three British men to have a top 10 seeding at Wimbledon within the past 20 years along with Tim Henman and Andy Murray. Today’s win was his sixth at Wimbledon in his career. His best Wimbledon run was reaching the third round on two previous occasions.
“It’s a big goal of mine for this year to reach the second week for the first time,” he states.
“I think I have a lot of things I can improve on in my performance. I’m looking forward to getting back on the practice court tomorrow to work on a few things and fine-tune a few things.’
“But I’m feeling great. I don’t see why I can’t reach the second week.”
Awaiting Norrie in the second round will be another Spaniard in the shape of Jaume Munar.
