Novak Djokovic changes his opinion as players put in Australian Open complaint
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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.".
