Novak Djokovic appreciates the novelty implemented at the Australian Open with courtside lounges reserved for player staff for more direct coaching. But the Serb would be opposed to the installation of microphones by television channels
This is the innovation of this 2025 Australian Open. On the three main courts of Melbourne Park, in two corners, the organizers have installed two small lounges intended for the staff of the two players. No more than four people are allowed. At their disposal, there is a screen with all the possible statistics imaginable. This makes the coaching much more direct. Andy Murray was seen chatting with Novak Djokovic. This is an opportunity to reframe things.
“The team across the street can hear our conversation”
Asked about this initiative after his qualification this Wednesday obtained against the Portuguese Jaime Faria (6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2), Novak Djokovic did not hide his enthusiasm. “I think it’s a plus for the tournament,” said the Serbian. “The four people who are in the corner are selected by me. I imagine that the idea, in the future, is to install microphones. For the fans, it would be interesting to listen to the content of the conversations. There could be viral sequences on social networks. Now, the downside is that the team opposite can hear ours. conversation and, in ten seconds, can send a text to the coach to warn of our intentions I think there should be some discretion and some privacy regarding the tactics used in the middle of a match on the court. It should not be made public, I would say, because. This can put you in danger during the match…”
This sensible opinion will perhaps not gain the support of television channels which would like to add some crunch to their product. A few years ago, the WTA circuit equipped coaches with lapel microphones and the player-coach conversation was broadcast at the end of sets if the player felt the need to exchange.
But, as we know, the era is rife with the presence of surveillance cameras placed in every corner of the stadium. And the images can be used live by the channels holding the rights. Only the locker room is sacred. Fortunately anyway.
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