Andy Murray may not sit in Novak Djokovic’s box in new development on | Tennis | Sport

Andy Murray may take advantage of a new trial at the Australian Open, which could see him sit in a special ‘pod’ rather than inside Novak Djokovic’s box in Melbourne.

Murray sensationally linked up with the 24-time Grand Slam champion for the opening Major of the year and supporters were expecting him to sit in Djokovic’s box, where the pair could communicate between points.

Instead, the Grand Slam is adopting a new pod that has been used similarly at the United Cup, available for coaches to use to maximise the amount of information they receive.

Two pods will be positioned in corners of each of the three main show courts which fit up to four people per player, thought to be for performance staff and coaches. Though the new change is not mandatory for any support staff member.

Inside the pod, coaches can access real-time data and stats from a screen, while the room is fitted with a cooling mechanism to combat the Melbourne heat.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley announced the pod after rule changes allow players to now speak with their coach when they are on the same side of the court, increasing the ability to give up-to-date information.

“We tested it this week, and some coaches were a bit sceptical at first, but then they sat down and said, ‘This is great’,” Tiley told The Age.

“I think we’re going to find much more than the majority will actually sit on the court. You have a great sight line of your player after every point.

“When they come and get their towel, you can talk to them, so you’re almost, in effect, able to coach your player after each point, if you want to.

“There are very different views in our sport on whether the coach should be allowed on the court or not. I’ve been an advocate for the coach being allowed on the court, just simply because it adds to the whole story, and the whole show, and every other sport has it.”

Coaches such as Murray are set to be given a bigger platform as part of a push by Tiley, while they are also given a concierge desk, big lounge and the same medical and data access as players while at the Australian Open.

It remains to be seen how Murray approaches his first tournament as a coach with Djokovic, if he takes centre stage in the pod or a backseat approach and is more influential behind the scenes.

But he has the opportunity to get very up-close-and-personal with his Serbian star, beginning with his first-round clash with Nishesh Basavareddy.