Win $100-Register

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray conversed during their match due to the updated coaching box at the Australian Open.

MELBOURNE, Australia — In a surprising twist during the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic found himself engaged in a chat with Andy Murray, his longtime rival, who is now also his coach. This interaction took place between sets at the Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic listened closely as Murray demonstrated the mechanics of a two-handed backhand. The uniqueness of this situation, as Djokovic described it, was marked by their evolving relationship, which he admitted felt “a little bit strange” on that Monday night.

The significant aspect of this exchange was made possible by new adjustments introduced at the Australian Open, allowing up to four members from each player’s team to occupy the coaches’ boxes. These boxes are equipped with screens displaying real-time match data and are located at court level, enabling direct interaction during matches, which is a departure from the traditional arrangement of coaches sitting high in the stands.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed his appreciation for the arrangement after defeating 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. “A few times, I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot,” he remarked about the guidance he received. This type of communication, while common in team sports, has historically been absent in tennis, where matches are characterized by individual performance.

The shift in coaching norms comes after years of clandestine attempts to implement coaching during matches, even leading to penalties in the past for players like Serena Williams, who was penalized in the 2018 U.S. Open final for receiving signals from her coach. Recently, the International Tennis Federation allowed coaching across all major competitions, sparking varied opinions in the tennis community.

Players like Taylor Fritz, the U.S. Open runner-up, have voiced concerns over the new coaching regulations. He suggests that strategy-making and critical decision-making should be internal processes for players, arguing, “Being able to make strategies … is just as important as hitting a serve.” This ongoing debate reflects divisions over the merit of allowing coaches physical proximity to their players during matches.

Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, expressed her support for close coaching, stating, “My coaches can tell me whatever they want, but if I’m not applying it, it’s not going to happen.” She highlighted the significant investment players make in coaching to enhance their performance, advocating for its application during matches. Djokovic and other players have also emphasized the benefit of having immediate access to their coaches for clear communication throughout games.

Yannick Hanfmann, a German player ranked in the top 100, appreciates the energy and the conversational dynamic it creates during matches. Having adapted to this new setup from his college tennis days, he expressed excitement for the potential of this arrangement, especially if it also offers engaging content for television audiences.

Although most players generally favor this innovative setup at the three largest venues in Melbourne, it’s important to note not all competition courts will feature this coach proximity. Player No. 2 Iga Swiatek acknowledged her adaptation to this approach but stated she focused on her own game in her first match, implying she might utilize the coaching advantage later on.

Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, also expressed her enthusiasm for having her coaches nearby for advice, stressing that this setup suits her style of play. However, not all players are taking advantage of the expanded coaching availability. Aryna Sabalenka, ranked No. 1 and competing for her third consecutive title at the Australian Open, expressed her dissatisfaction with the limited seating in the courtside box and commented on the need for more inclusive arrangements for her coaching team.

In conclusion, the Australian Open is witnessing a new era of player-coach interaction that could fundamentally change the dynamics of tennis. While many players are embracing this opportunity, others remain cautious, highlighting an evolving conversation about the role of coaching in individual sports.

author avatar
@USLive

ALL Headlines