Palo Alto, Calif. (May 7, 2025) – UTR Sports, creator of the global UTR Pro Tennis Tour (UTR PTT), announced today that off-court coaching will now be allowed worldwide at all UTR PTT events, following a successful pilot program.
The decision builds on a trial conducted in the U.S., Czech Republic, Croatia, and the U.K., where the initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback from players, coaches, and officials.
“We’re thrilled to make off-court coaching a global standard on the UTR PTT,” said James McKie, UTR Sports Director of Player Relations. “At UTR Sports, we pride ourselves on putting players first and doing everything possible to support their pro tennis pathways. This change is another step forward in accelerating player development and keeping the UTR PTT the world’s most player-friendly pro tennis tour.”
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The new policy, effective immediately, aligns with UTR Sports’ mission to build innovative models that strengthen and improve player experiences.
“Introducing verbal and non-verbal coaching to the UTR PTT gives the players another great opportunity to master their art of tennis,” said Mikhail Youzhny, who reached a career-high of No. 8 and is now a top coach. “As the younger generation of tennis players work on their craft, allowing coaching will help accelerate their skills during their match, rather than just post-match.”
Rick Macci, former coach of Serena and Venus Williams, said: “The advantages of off-court coaching are big time. A different set of eyes can change the whole landscape. A player is so locked into what they’re doing; they see what they want to see. Off-court coaching enhances the quality of the production on both sides. I love it.”
Coaching will follow the same guidelines established during the pilot program:
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Non-verbal coaching is permitted between points.
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Verbal coaching is allowed between points when the coach and player are on the same end of the court.
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Players may receive non-verbal coaching during set breaks and changeovers while seated.
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Coaching is allowed during delays caused by weather or the opponent.
Coaching is not permitted during authorized toilet breaks or when a player is receiving a medical time-out.
“I’m really looking forward to playing more PTT events this year with coaching,” said Raphael Perot, a four-time PTT champion who’s currently in the top 15 of the UTR PTT Tour Card Points Race. “I am pushing for the year-end PTT Tour Card bonus and coaching will really help me achieve my goals.”
For more information about the UTR Pro Tennis Tour and upcoming events, visit www.utrsports.com/ptt
About UTR Sports
The mission of UTR Sports is to connect and grow the sports of tennis and pickleball with accurate global ratings, innovative software and events, and a global community centered around level-based play. The UTR Sports Platform is anchored by our renowned ratings technology. UTR Sports provides the technology and solutions relevant and valuable to players, from recreational to professional, coaches, and organizers. UTR Sports is creating opportunities and pathways, including the UTR Pro Tennis Tour, for players from all over the world, in all stages of life, to find better matches and unlock a more fun, affordable, and flexible experience. To learn more, visit www.utrsports.net.
About UTR Pro Tennis Tour
The UTR Pro Tennis Tour supports tennis globally with prize money, venue support, technology, logistics, and competitive play opportunities. Universal Tennis, LLC is the owner and organizing body of the UTR Pro Tennis Tour (PTT), with responsibility for its Rules and Regulations, Code of Conduct, Tournament Format, and related streaming and commercial rights. The UTR Pro Tennis Tour serves the top pro pathway players ranked 200+ in the UTR PTT Rankings. Aspiring professional players are increasingly struggling in the pursuit of their dreams. Working with host venues and national federations, PTT provides additive and complementary opportunities to help emerging players and the broader tennis community. Players can register for events and view the 2025 calendar at www.utrsports.com/ptt-tournaments.