Andy Murray proposes that players be allowed to get on-court coaching when an opponent calls timeout.getty images
The use of tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts by some players "is in the spotlight again" after Andy Murray proposed two solutions, "one of which would involve coaching on the court," according to Stuart Fraser of the LONDON TIMES. The issue has been considered by Murray during his preseason training block this month in Miami. Last night he posted a poll on his Instagram account, "asking for the reaction of his followers to his potential solutions." Murray wrote, "If a player wants to go to the toilet or have a medical timeout, then his/her opponent is allowed to bring a coach on to the court for the duration of the break. Limiting the advantage gained of disrupting rhythm/momentum. TV would love this as it would give them something to talk about during the delay." This proposal by the two-time Wimbledon champion "will not be met with approval" at the All England Club, however. Officials there are "vehemently against allowing any coaching during matches," and are "in a stand-off" with their counterparts at the Australian Open and the US Open over the issue. Murray's second option is "quite drastic," with the suggestion of a game being docked for any player who calls a medical timeout during a match. Murray: "If a player wants to call a medical timeout, they forfeit the opponent's next service game so when they restart it's always on their serve. I think players would only get the physio/doctor out if it was a genuine issue in this scenario" (LONDON TIMES, 12/10).
