All new teaching pods successful? Novak Djokovic charges Andy Murray’s first impression

The much-talked-about partnership between Novak Djokovic and ‘coach’ Andy Murray was on full show when the Serb confronted Nishesh Basavareddy within the opening spherical of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday, January 13. Djokovic fought again from a set right down to defeat the 19-year-old Indian-origin American, who delivered a gritty efficiency in his maiden Grand Slam look. At occasions, Djokovic appeared visibly annoyed as Basavareddy challenged him relentlessly.

The dynamic between Djokovic and his famous person coach was highlighted on the massive display. Djokovic managed to maintain his composure throughout interactions along with his staff, acknowledging Murray’s presence. These exchanges had been extra evident than ever as a result of debut of specially-designed teaching pods on the Australian Open. Whereas some gamers, together with ladies’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev, have voiced opposition to the innovation, Djokovic seems to have embraced it.

The teaching pods are designated areas positioned within the corners of main courts. They permit coaches to take a seat at court docket degree as an alternative of the normal participant field, facilitating higher communication with gamers throughout matches. Every pod accommodates as much as 4 members of a participant’s staff and is provided with screens offering real-time statistical evaluation, much like setups seen in staff occasions just like the Davis Cup and United Cup.

This improvement follows the Worldwide Tennis Federation’s rule leisure in October, allowing coaches to speak with gamers throughout matches. The pods supply a novel vantage level, permitting coaches to supply fast suggestions as gamers return to the sidelines for towels or throughout changeovers.

“I believe he was doing nice in the present day. He was standing up a number of occasions, making an attempt to encourage me and help me,” Djokovic mentioned after his first-round victory.

“I loved it. I actually did take pleasure in it. I believe he is an important man. It is a pleasure to have him in my nook.”

When requested whether or not he sought Murray’s recommendation mid-match, Djokovic mentioned: “Just a few occasions I did strategy Andy, requested him one thing about no matter it was, no matter shot,” including that he appeared for “suggestions, steerage and opinion” in addition to bodily cues from physique language throughout tense moments.

“I take pleasure in speaking to Andy. I imply, he is aware of tennis in addition to anyone on the market. He is a legend of the game. He understands the highs and lows you undergo on the court docket, not simply game-wise however mentally and bodily,” Djokovic added.

NOT EVERYONE IS A FAN

Not everybody, nonetheless, is a fan of the brand new setup.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka expressed reservations in regards to the association.

“Actually, it’s not like I’m a giant fan of that call. Or when you try this, then make extra seats. For instance, me personally, I wish to see the entire staff. I wish to see everybody in my field. I don’t know, typically I simply wish to have a look at my boyfriend for help. I simply didn’t wish to, like, have a look at the coach first, then look within the field,” she mentioned.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was knocked out within the first spherical, equally described the pods as unusual and urged it will take time for gamers to regulate to them.

The introduction of teaching pods marks a major shift for a sport historically recognized for its emphasis on participant independence and its opposition to on-court teaching. One want solely recall Serena Williams’ 2018 code violation for glancing in direction of her field for tricks to respect how a lot the sport is evolving.