Training ‘pods’ get mixed reaction from top players at Australian Open 2025 | Tennis

New courtside seating allows players to communicate with coaches and other team members during the game.

The Australian Open has introduced on-court “training pods” at this year’s Grand Slam tournament for the first time, but it has been met with mixed reactions.

The pods are placed in two corners on each of the main courts with up to four people allowed, similar to the setup at team events such as the Davis Cup and United Cup.

They have access to real-time data on screens for statistical analysis, with the option for coaches to sit there or in their usual spot in the traditional player box, where friends and family can also sit.

It comes after the International Tennis Federation relaxed its rules in October, allowing coaches to communicate with players during matches as long as it was “brief” and “confidential”.

Australian Open president Craig Tiley admitted that “some coaches were a bit skeptical at first” about the capsules.

“But then they sat down and said: ‘This is great,'” he told The Age.

“When (players) come in and get the towel, you can talk to them, so you’re actually able to coach your player after each point, if you want to.”

But not all players are convinced of the benefits.

“Honestly, it’s not like I’m a big fan of this decision. If you do, book more seats,” said Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1 and defending Australian Open champion.

“For example, I personally like to see the whole team. I want to see all the people in my box.

“I don’t know, sometimes I just want to look at my friend for support. I didn’t want to look at the coach first, then look at the penalty area.”

Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas has long been an advocate of allowing training during matches, but he said he was surprised when he saw the capsules for the first time.

“I actually laughed when I saw them,” he said.

“I don’t know, it’s kinda weird. I see my coach and some other team members in this particular box, and the rest of them are upstairs, which is something I’m not used to.”

“I think I’ll adapt at some point.”

But 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who is seeking an 11th Australian Open title, is such a fan of his new coach Andy Murray that he plans to use her.

“I think it’s great that the Australian Open offers the training box on the court at the same level in the corner,” the Serbian said.

Djokovic used the capsule while heading towards Murray on several occasions during their first-round match on Monday.