A new innovation allowing fans to see and hear conversations between players and coaches has received the backing of Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open.
This year is the first time ‘coaching pods’ are being used at the Grand Slam. Under the new rules, a player can have up to four members of their team sit in this area which is at court level and situated at opposite corners. A setup similar to what was seen earlier this year during the United Cup. The new idea hasn’t replaced the traditional player boxes with those participating in the event having the option of choosing where they would prefer their team to sit.
During her first round encounter with Katerina Siniakova, Swiatek had her coach Wim Fissette in the pod. The former world No.1 battled past the Czech 6-3, 6-4, in just under 90 minutes.
“I think it’s much more convenient because we can use the coaching. We don’t need to if we don’t want to,” the world No.2 commented during her press conference.
“I think these rules with coaching, they were nice for smaller courts, but if you play on a stadium, it’s impossible to hear the coach anyway. Now actually it makes more sense, I like it.
“It’s our choice if we want to use it or not. If you have a good communication with your coach, I think it might work.”
However, the new initiative isn’t a hit with everybody on the Tour. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka said she ‘was not a fan’ and Denis Shapovalov has raised concerns that players who have access to higher levels of coach might gain an advantage.
Swiatek is hoping the new setup might help her reach new highs at Melbourne Park. She reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open in 2022 but 12 months ago crashed out in the third round.
“Maybe last year the mistake was for sure not having your own hitting partner,” she said.
“This year I have a hitting partner in my team, in this tournament as well.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t say my preparation during last year was really bad. I for sure felt like my level was going down during the tournament, but hard to say why. You’re not always going to have answers.
“I guess I need to keep my expectations low and just focus on the work and focus on playing better and better if I can, because for sure these are not the easiest surface for me. I just have to keep grinding and fighting for every ball.”
Swiatek will play Rebecca Sramkova in the second round.