The Australian Open has introduced a groundbreaking innovation that has sparked both intrigue and debate: the coaching pods.these pods, a first for tennis at the grand slam level, have become the centre of attention at the 2025 tournament. Designed to allow coaches to sit courtside in a mini player’s box, complete with seats for four members of the support staff and screens for live statistical analysis, the pods have divided opinions among players and fans alike [[1]].
The introduction of these pods follows the International Tennis Federation (ITA)’s decision in October to relax rules surrounding coaching during matches. under the new regulations, coaches can communicate with players verbally or via hand signals at any time—except during live points [[3]]. This shift marks a meaningful departure from the past, where coaching was banned at grand slams until the 2022 US Open, with the remaining three grand slams following suit the following year.
The debate around coaching in tennis has a storied history. One of the most notable incidents occurred during the 2018 US Open women’s final, when Serena williams was given a code violation for receiving coaching during her match against Naomi Osaka. Williams’ subsequent meltdown and her claim of sexism against umpire Carlos Ramos brought the issue to the forefront [[2]].
Now,the Australian Open has taken the concept to a new level with the coaching pods. While some players, like Alexander Zverev, have expressed disdain, saying, “I hate it,” and defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka stating she’s “not a fan,” others have embraced the change. Novak Djokovic, the 24-time grand slam champion and 10-time Australian Open victor, has made full use of the pods. During his opening round match against 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy,Djokovic’s team,including his newly hired coach Andy Murray,sat courtside,providing strategic insights that helped him secure the win despite being taken to four sets.
The coaching pods have not only changed the dynamics of the game but also the viewing experience for fans. As the tournament progresses, the pods will continue to be a focal point, raising questions about their impact on the sport’s future.
Key Points on Coaching Pods
| Feature | Details |
|————-|————-|
| Location | Courtside mini player’s box |
| capacity | Seats for four support staff members |
| Technology | Screens for live statistical analysis |
| Communication | Verbal or hand signals (except during live points) |
| Player Reactions | Mixed, with some embracing and others opposing |
The coaching pods are a bold step forward for tennis, and their debut at the Australian Open is a testament to the sport’s evolving nature. Whether they become a staple or a short-lived experiment remains to be seen, but for now, they are undeniably reshaping the game.80?width=768 768w” layout=”responsive” attribution=”test” class=”i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined” i-amphtml-layout=”responsive”>
And while the world had seen the move at the United Cup, it was something else to see Murray and Djokovic chatting during the match.
Djokovic also appeared unwilling to wholly lose his cool with his new coach but appeared frustrated at times.
But the pair had a long chat after the serbian had claimed the third set to take a two sets to one lead in a moment that raised a few eyebrows.
Andy Murray fan and podcast host Scott Barclay tweeted: “Imagine showing this video to someone a year ago and telling them that this is the reality 12 months from now. They’d genuinely think you’d gone mad.”
See the video in the player above.
Earlier, he’d written: “Alright, seeing Novak Djokovic just casually chatting with Andy Murray as his coach court-side between sets is absolutely insane to see. What reality are we all living in where this has happened?!”
Canadian tennis insider stephen boughton tweeted: “What world am I living in?
Andy Murray is coaching Novak Djokovic in a courtside box where they are allowed to talk between points. 2010 me would never believe this.”
Even the official ESPN account wrote: “Still needs getting used to.”
While much of the tennis world was getting used to the new look, The Tennis Podcast’s Catherine Whitaker was more angry that the new coaching pods meant the coaches could be more secretive with their coaching.
Instead of yelling out from the coaching box or gesticulating wildly which could lead to someone in the stadium being able to relay what was said for the commentators, djokovic and Murray had a seemingly polite chat without the tennis world none the wiser about what was said.
“I found it absolutely maddening that we couldn’t hear the exchanges between them,” said The Tennis Podcast’s Catherine Whitaker.
“There was a big one at the end of the third set, which looked absolutely intriguing. Looked like they were having a really in-depth chat about tactics and strategy, and I couldn’t hear a single word of it.
“What is the point of that position if not to gain extra insight into the exchanges between coach and player?”
Co-host David Law called the lack of insight “immensely frustrating”, but said it was clear the pair were still getting used to the new dynamic in their relationship.
“The first hour and 24 minutes of that match, I did not see Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic share two words.And in that period, Djokovic was behind,” Law added.
“And I just got the sense looking at his body language that he doesn’t really know Andy Murray vrey well.
“They’ve shared the court together for 20 years. They’ve played juniors together.
“And Djokovic is often referred to him as a friend when they were growing up and a rival, from when they were 11 years of age. But they’re kind of strangers still.
“They’re both being polite.And that is not really what you want when you’re out there in the heat of battle, I don’t think. You need to be able to lean on your coach.
“I thought that as the match evolved,they both loosened up. Because you had that conversation at the end of the third set.”
Despite the fact Murray won two of his grand slam titles against Djokovic — although he also lost another five to the Serbian including four at Melbourne Park — the new relationship got off to a shaky start.
With Djokovic uncharacteristically losing the first set to the 19-year-old American,Simon Briggs from London’s The Telegraph wrote: “Well,it was not exactly the dream debut for tennis’s new celebrity double-act. Sir Andy Murray’s first match in the coaching box found him looking on awkwardly as Novak Djokovic struggled to put away the world No. 107.
“after about an hour’s play, when 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy had established an unexpected lead, Djokovic looked towards his player box, made a talking sign with his hand, then held out his arms in obvious dissatisfaction.
“The message? One could probably put it in Delia Smith terms: ‘Let’s be ‘avin’ you!’ Or, to be more formal, ‘Please could you provide me with a little more verbal encouragement’.”
In a surprising twist at the recent tennis match, Novak Djokovic found himself sharing the court-side box with his long-time rival, Andy Murray. The Serbian tennis legend, known for his relentless pursuit of greatness, had nothing but praise for Murray’s unexpected role as a coach.“it was a bit of a strange experience to have him court side in my box,” Djokovic admitted. “We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level. Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice mid match.”
This collaboration marks a significant shift in the tennis landscape,where coaching during matches has become a strategic advantage. Djokovic highlighted the unique viewpoint Murray brought to the game.“it’s a completely different angle when you’re watching from the side. A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion.”
The camaraderie between the two players, who have battled fiercely on the court for decades, was evident. “I enjoy talking to Andy. I mean,he knows tennis and also anybody out there,” Djokovic said. Murray’s encouragement during the match also left a lasting impression. “He was standing up several times,trying to encourage me and support me. I enjoyed it.”
Djokovic’s next challenge is against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, as he continues his quest to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. Should he succeed, it would also mark his 100th career title, placing him among the elite trio of players in the Open era, behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
This evolving dynamic in tennis, where rivals become allies, offers a fresh perspective on the sport’s competitive spirit.Djokovic’s gratitude for Murray’s insights underscores the importance of collaboration, even in a traditionally individual-focused sport.
Key Highlights
| Event | Details |
| — | — |
| Match Collaboration | Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray share the court-side box, with murray offering coaching advice. |
| Djokovic’s Reaction | “It was a bit of a strange experience to have him court side in my box.” |
| Next Opponent | Djokovic faces Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in his bid to surpass Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam titles. |
| Career Milestone | A potential 100th career title, joining Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the Open era. |
As Djokovic continues his journey toward tennis immortality, this newfound partnership with Murray adds a layer of intrigue to his narrative. The sport’s evolving rules, allowing coaching during matches, have opened doors for unexpected alliances, reshaping the way players approach the game.
For more insights into Djokovic’s career milestones,explore his journey [[1]].
The article discusses the surprising advancement of Andy Murray coaching Novak Djokovic during a tennis match, a scenario that has stunned fans and commentators alike. The dynamic between the two, who have been long-time rivals and friends as their junior days, has been described as awkward but polite, especially during the early stages of the match. Djokovic, who seemed uncharacteristically off his game in the first set, appeared frustrated and looked towards Murray for support.
The new coaching pods introduced at the venue allowed coaches to communicate with players more discreetly, wich frustrated some commentators like Catherine Whitaker from The Tennis Podcast, who found it “maddening” that the exchanges between Murray and Djokovic where not audible.She expressed disappointment at not being able to gain insight into their tactical discussions,particularly during a significant conversation at the end of the third set.
Co-host David Law described the lack of insight as “immensely frustrating” but noted that the pair seemed to loosen up as the match progressed, engaging in more meaningful conversations. Law observed that despite their 20-year history of competing and knowing each other since they were 11,they still appeared somewhat unfamiliar in this new coaching-player relationship.
The article also highlights the reactions from various tennis fans and insiders, including Scott Barclay and Stephen Boughton, who expressed disbelief at the unexpected pairing. The official ESPN account tweeted that this new reality “still needs getting used to.”
the piece captures the astonishment and mixed reactions from the tennis community as they adjust to this novel and unexpected coaching arrangement between two of the sport’s most prominent figures.
