Novak Djokovic is one of several players to voice their concerns over the introduction of ‘coaching pods’ at the Australian Open – with one star even claiming he “hates” the new development

Novak Djokovic has dramatically changed his opinion on the ‘coaching pods’ that have been a controversial new addition at the Australian Open.

Prior to the tournament, the Serbian icon praised the unique development – a Grand Slam first – which allows players to speak to their staff at court-level in the middle of matches. The fiercely unorthodox inclusion of pods has caused a mild storm amongst players and fans, but they come after rules around mid-match coaching were relaxed in recent months.

While players can now seek advice, as well as get an insight into real-time data and statistics of their performance, Djokovic has reversed his initial thoughts that the pods were “great”. He has since claimed that his mid-game conversations with new coach Andy Murray had been broadcast on TV, and admonished the pods’ lack of “discretion”.

Djokovic hit out after the four-set win over World No.125 Jaime Faria on Wednesday. “The only thing that I dislike there is the fact that someone from your opponent’s team might be watching the match, and she or he hears that and, of course, then texts the team member,” he said. “10 seconds later you have the information. That’s the part that I don’t like.

“So 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, I would say, because then it kind of endangers you during the match,” he added.

The 37-year-old’s rapid shift in gear comes after he actually made use of the new attribute during his first-round match on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner was, at first, full of praise, saying: “I think it’s great that the Australian Open introduced the coaching box on the court at the same level in the corner.”

The pods are positioned in two corners on each of the major courts with up to four people allowed. Coaches have access to screens for ongoing statistical analysis, however they also have the option to sit in the more familiar location of the player’s box.

The International Tennis Federation eased its rules around on-court coaching in October, allowing trainers to communicate with players during matches as long as it is “brief” and “discreet”. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley admitted that there was a healthy bout of scepticism about the launch of the pods, however he later revealed to The Age that many coaches had conceded that it was ultimately a “great” idea.

To say the reactions to the pods from several players have been mixed, though, is something of an understatement. World No.2 Alexander Zverev voiced his extreme view on the advancement.

“Yeah, I mean, I hate it,” Zverev jokingly replied after he was asked whether the pods meant he had to see his family close up, several of which work with the German star. He admitted he was not convinced, adding: “There’s innovation in all sports. Tennis is getting innovation as well. I’m not sure what kind of innovation that is. But we’re moving forward, the world is moving forward. That’s the way it is.”

Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka also shared her concerns. “Honestly, it’s not like I’m a big fan of that decision. Or if you do that, then make more seats,” she said. “For example, personally, I like to see the whole team. I want to see the whole people in my box.

“I don’t know, sometimes I just want to look at my boyfriend for support. I just didn’t want to, like, look at the coach first, then look in the box.”

Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas, who suffered a shock early exit from the tournament this week, has long been an advocate for coaching to be permitted during matches, but confessed even he was stunned when he first saw the pods. “I actually laughed when I saw them,” he said.

“I don’t know, it’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 I’m not used to. I guess I will acclimatise at some point.”

While no doubt a fascinating development at Melbourne Park, all eyes will now be on the players and how they utilise the new pods. Djokovic will be in action on Friday as he faces Czech star Tomas Machac in the third round.

Zverev will be taking on Brit Jacob Fearnley in his third round encounter. World No.1 Sabalenka will take on Denmark’s Clara Tauson as she bids to make the fourth round.

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