Djokovic on the ‘coaching box’: “A great introduction”

Djokovic is into the third round of the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic and his team (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP/SIPA)

January 15, 2025

You have to move with the times, and Novak Djokovic has understood that. In his 22-year career on the professional circuit, the Serb has seen many changes, from the arrival of Hawk-Eye to the two-week Masters 1000 and the authorisation of on-court coaching.

And this year at the Australian Open, the organisers have decided to introduce a little novelty with the possibility for a few members of a player’s staff, up to a maximum of four, to take up residence in a box on the edge of the court. This will facilitate support and communication between the player and their coaches.

Djokovic, a ten-time winner in Melbourne, is delighted with this innovation. During his first two rounds in Melbourne, the Serb was able to exchange views with his coach Andy Murray on a regular basis. At a press conference, the world No 7 supported the organisers’ decision to install the boxes at the edge of the court.

“I’m still supportive of that. I think it’s a great new introduction to the tournament. The selected people who are there are selected by all of us internally in the team. We talk about who we think can contribute the most by being on the court.

“I’m happy with the four people that I have there sitting. It probably will change in the future [if a microphone is installed so the conversations can be heard]. I’m happy as it is at the moment, to be honest with you!”

Djokovic less keen on potential future microphones

While this new feature has the support of the players because it encourages on-court coaching, it lacks appeal for spectators and television viewers. Without a microphone, it is almost impossible to understand the exchanges between the player and his coach. But for Djokovic, adding microphones would not necessarily be a positive thing.

“I’m sure for the fans watching, social media, it would be very interesting to hear what we are talking about. I understand from kind of, like, fun part and stuff going viral, because there will be quite a bit of material there, I’m sure.

“The only thing that I dislike there is the fact that someone from your opponent’s team might be watching the match, and she or he hears that and, of course, then texts the team member. Ten seconds later you have the information. That’s the part that I don’t like.

“So I feel like there should be some discretion and privacy in terms of the actual on-court coaching tactics. That shouldn’t be out there public, I would say, because then it kind of endangers you live during the match.”