New On-Court Coaching Pods Divide Opinions at Australian Open

The 2025 tournament introduces court-side coaching pods, allowing real-time player-coach interactions, a departure from tennis's traditional self-reliance.

• The Australian Open debuts 'coaching pods,' placing coaches court-side to provide real-time feedback and strategy to players during matches.
• This marks a significant shift from tennis's historical ban on in-match coaching, which was previously penalized with code violations.
• Novak Djokovic, with Andy Murray now part of his coaching team, has embraced the new system, calling it a positive innovation but raising concerns about potential privacy issues with tactics being overheard.
• Some players and coaches, including Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev, have expressed skepticism or dislike for the pods, citing concerns about fairness, tradition, and the sport's one-on-one nature.
• The change has sparked discussions about its impact on the sport, with proponents highlighting its potential for enhanced strategy and entertainment, while critics worry it may widen the gap between top players and those with fewer resources.

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