Alexander Zverev explained why he didn’t like the courtside coaching pod (Image: Eurosport)
has explained why he “hates” the Australian Open’s new coaching box.
The world No. 2 downed former semi-finalist Lucas Pouille to reach the second round on Sunday evening, with his team sitting in the courtside seating pod.
With players now allowed to receive mid-match coaching, the has provided an area for the player support staff to access real-time data and stats. But Zverev isn’t a fan.
Zverev keeps it in the family when it comes to his coaching team, working with his dad, Alexander Sr, and his brother, Mischa. It meant they got to sit in one of the new pods on Rod Laver Arena while Zverev faced Pouille.
It was an easy win for the second seed, who needed two hours and 21 minutes to clinch a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory over Pouille, a former world No. 10 who received a wildcard into the tournament.
Afterwards, he was asked what it was like seeing his family in the coaching area in the corner of the court. But the German doesn’t seem keen on the “innovation”.
“Yeah, I mean, I hate it,” Zverev replied. Jokingly asked whether his hatred stemmed from the fact he had to see his family members even more often, the world No. 2 joked: “Basically, I don’t want to see them too much in my life.
Coaches on the main showcourts in Melbourne can access real-time data from the new pods (Image: Eurosport)
Just in
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“But that’s the way it is. I chose them as my coaches, unfortunately.” Zverev quickly backtracked on his comments, suggesting it wasn’t his choice to work with Alexander Sr and Mischa.
“I chose? I didn’t really have a choice, to be honest,” he jibed. “What am I going to say, Christmas dinner, ‘No, you’re not coming to Australia?’
“Well, their bags are packed already. I wouldn’t get food from my mum, so that would be a problem.”
After poking fun at his family, Zverev did give his honest thoughts on the coaching pod and still didn’t sound convinced.
“There’s innovation in all sports. Tennis is getting innovation as well. I’m not sure what kind of innovation that is. But we’re moving forward, the world is moving forward. That’s the way it is.”
The new courtside pods are available on the three main showcourts. Two are positioned in the corners of each court with space for up to four people from each player’s team. However, it is not mandatory for any team member to use the seating area.
Coaches are given a screen to access information as the match is played in real-time. There is also a cooling mechanism to help them battle the heat in the Aussie summer.
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.