NEW YORK (AP):

WOMEN TENNIS players will be able to consult with their coaches during matches starting next year, though the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour's motivation for the move seems to be aiding fans as much as competitors.

To visit their players on court, coaches must agree to wear a microphone so television audiences can hear the conversations. The long-discussed rule change was approved by the Tour's board last week, CEO Larry Scott said on Wednesday during the US Open.

"It was a polarising issue, to be sure - a lot of potential consequences in the eyes of our players and tournaments, and that's why we took so long to really think it through," he said.

Real commitment

"But at the end of the day, I think this step shows a real commitment from our athletes and from our sport towards innovation, being as fan-friendly as possible and being as responsive to television as possible without altering the fundamentals of the sport."

Coaches will be allowed to visit their players once per set and only during the allotted changeover time. They can also come on court when the opponent takes a medical break. Scott said he also hopes it will discourage players from taking unnecessary medical breaks.

The on-court coaching is limited to WTA Tour events and doesn't include Grand Slams.

Scott announced several other changes to the Tour calendar and tournament structure, the culmination of a five-year effort.

The season will end in October, increasing the offseason to nine weeks from seven in hopes of reducing injuries. Total prize money will increase from US$71 million (euro50 million) this year to more than US$85 million (euro60 million) next year.