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Djokovic opined that the addition of the coaching pods was a welcome one as far as he is concerned. However, added that the privacy of the chat between the player and the coach should be upheld.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his second round match against Jaime Faria of Portugal at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
The 2025 edition of the Australian Open is in full cry and the introduction of coaching pods at court level in the main stadiums have divided opinion among players and fans.
Traditionally, players have depended on their own self to sort out game time issues and tweaks, and the inclusion of their entourages close to the action for discussion and tips could prove to be a paradigm shift.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic opined that the addition of the same was a welcome one as far he is concerned.
“I think it’s a great new introduction to the tournament,” the Serbian said.
“The people who are there are selected by us internally in the team,” he justified.
“We talk about who we think can contribute the most by being on the court. I’m happy with the four people that I have there sitting,” he added.
The 37-year-old Serbian, however, added that the privacy of the chat between the player and the coach should be upheld.
“It probably will change in the future with the microphone and everything. I’m happy as it is at the moment,” Djokovic stated.
“I understand the fun part and stuff going viral because there will be quite a bit of material,” Djokovic, who added Brit great Andy Murray to his coaching staff, said.
“The only thing I dislike is the fact that someone from your opponent’s team might be watching the match, and she or he hears that and then texts the team member. Ten seconds later you have the information,” he elucidated.
“I feel like there should be some discretion and privacy in terms of the actual on-court coaching tactics. That shouldn’t be out there public, because then it endangers you during matches,” the 24-time major winner stated.
Djokovic is set to take on Czech star Thomas Machac in the third-round encounter on Friday after he moved past American Nishesh Basavaraddey in the first round and Portuguese player Jaime Faria in the subsequent round in pursuit of his record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
