Connect with us

Other Sports

Coaching pods: New innovation divides opinion at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic, 24-time grand slam winner, chatting with coach Andy Murray on court level during a crucial moment of a match.

It’s a sight we’re certainly not used to seeing but one we may have to get used to.

And that’s not just because long-time rivals Djokovic and Murray have linked up following the latter’s competitive retirement.

LIVE: All the latest Australian Open results

Here’s what you need to know about the new innovation which is dividing opinion at the Australian Open.

What are the coaching pods at the Australian Open?

Always looking to push the game forward, Tennis Australia have ticked off the use of “coaching pods” for the year’s first major.

Where in the past, coaches would sit in the players’ box in the front row, they now have the option to sit on court level, allowing for communication after points.

Here’s whatĀ tournament director Craig Tiley said about the inclusion:

ā€œSome coaches were a bit sceptical at first, but then they sat down and said: ā€˜This is greatā€™,ā€ Tiley told The Age, adding:

ā€œYouā€™re almost, in effect, able to coach your player after each point.ā€

The pods have seats for up to four members of a player’s team and are equipped with screen which will enable real-time statistical analysis.

What do the players think about coaching pods?

Among the competing cohort, opinions have been mixed.

Following his first-round win over American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy, Djokovic said he appreciated the chance to speak with new coach Murray.

ā€œSeating which is basically on the court in the corner which allows me to hear them better,ā€ Djokovic said.

ā€œA few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. HeĀ was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion.ā€

US Open winner Coco Gauff was also supportive of the move.

ā€œI know some players donā€™t like the on-court coaching,ā€ Gauff said.

ā€œI think itā€™s fine to be allowed because you have the choice if you want to be coached or not.

ā€œI gave them [my coaches] the decision if they wanted to sit in the box or on courtside. I didnā€™t know what they were going to choose until I walked out on court, and I saw them in the box.ā€

Two-time defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka, however, isn’t completely sold on the pods.

ā€œHonestly, itā€™s not like Iā€™m a big fan of that decision. Or if you do that, then make more seats,ā€ Sabalenka said.

ā€œFor example, me personally, I like to see the whole team. I want to see the whole people in my box.

ā€œI donā€™t know, sometimes I just want to look at my boyfriend for the support. I just didnā€™t want to, like, look at the coach first, then look in the box.ā€

Stefanos Tsitsipas shared a similar opinion.

ā€œI actually laughed when I saw them,ā€ Tsitsipas explained.

ā€œI donā€™t know, itā€™s kind of weird. I see my coaches and some other team members in that particular box, and the rest of them are upstairs, which Iā€™m not used to.

ā€œI guess I will acclimatise at some point.ā€

It remains to be seen whether other tournaments will follow suit.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Other Sports