Iga Swiatek backs controversial coaching pod innovation at the Australian Open
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Iga Swiatek has endorsed the Australian Open's revolutionary new courtside coaching pod, even without needing it during a third-round romp through to the last 16 at Melbourne Park. The world No.2 maintained her perfect record against Emma Raducanu with a straight-sets demolition of Britain's 2021 US Open champion on Saturday.
![[At this year’s tournament, coaches are allowed to sit directly courtside, just a few metres from the playing surface]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/23/94250663-14300731-image-a-35_1737242503027.jpg)
Five-time major winner Swiatek is yet to drop a set this campaign, advancing with a thumping 6-1 6-0 win on Rod Laver Arena. So it was no surprise to learn the Pole didn't need any courtside pep talks on Saturday - yet still gave the innovation the nod of approval.
![[Not everyone at the Open is a fan of the new pods, with Aryna Sabalena taking aim at them last week]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/23/94250675-14300731-image-a-36_1737242514203.jpg)
'I am not getting so much coaching now but for sure the next matches there will be moments when I need them,' Swiatek said. 'And it's nice to have someone to remind you of anything - usually there is not much point in overthinking it. Iga Swiatek has endorsed the Australian Open's revolutionary new courtside coaching pods.
![[Swiatek has been playing excellent tennis at the Australian Open]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/23/94250649-14300731-image-a-37_1737242522715.jpg)
At this year’s tournament, coaches are allowed to sit directly courtside, just a few metres from the playing surface. 'It's great that the Australian Open thought of this idea. Also it's interesting for TV to have the coaches so close.'. It comes after defending champ Aryna Sabalenka hit out at the pods last week, saying she was 'not a fan'.
![[Swiatek, whose only loss so far this year was a United Cup defeat to the as-yet unbeaten Coco Gauff, will be a hot favourite in the fourth round against Germany's Eva Lys]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/23/94250655-14300731-image-a-38_1737242526814.jpg)
Many tennis fans have also slammed the new innovation, insisting that they ruin the sport. Swiatek has the chance to regain world's top ranking if she wins the title, and looked a class above in striking 24 winners, dropping just four points on serve while also converting five of her dozen break points.
