Controversial high-profile change to the Australian Open is slammed by fans for making players' lives too easy: 'It ruins the game'
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Tennis fans have been left divided over the new courtside coaching pods introduced at this year's Australian Open. Tournament boss Craig Tiley is excited about the new innovation that allows coaches to talk to players during a match from a pod that is on the court.
![[After his victory over Lucas Pouille, Zverev joked that he 'hates' the pods - but fans weren't trying to be funny when they slammed the new addition to the grand slam]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/23/94019433-14276589-image-a-4_1736724261606.jpg)
The pods, which have been established in the corners of the court, have seats for four people and have been equipped with screens where coaches can access real-time statistics and data. 'We tested it this week, and some coaches were a bit sceptical at first, but then they sat down and said: 'This is great',' Tiley told The Sydney Morning Herald.
![[The new pods not only offer a prime seating view of the game but also permit coaches to interact with their player]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/23/94018795-14276589-The_new_pods_not_only_offer_a_prime_seating_view_of_the_game_but-a-2_1736723340347.jpg)
'I think we're going to find much more than the majority will actually sit on the court. You have a great sight line of your player after every point. 'When they come and get their towel, you can talk to them, so you're almost, in effect, able to coach your player after each point, if you want to.'.
Pictured: Alexander Zerev's brother gestures at him from the controversial coaching pod that's been introduced for the Australian Open. After his victory over Lucas Pouille, Zverev joked that he 'hates' the pods - but fans weren't trying to be funny when they slammed the new addition to the grand slam.
The new pods not only offer a prime seating view of the game but also permit coaches to interact with their player. The introduction of the pods at the grand slam coincides with coaches now being allowed to communicate with players, except during live points.
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