The New Australian Open Rule Sparks Novak Djokovic’s Outrage
The New Australian Open Rule Sparks Novak Djokovic’s Outrage
The new rules at the 2025 Australian Open have become a hot topic of debate, with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray openly voicing their opinions. Introducing the “coaching box” has disillusionedmany fans, turning the spotlight on this significant change.
In his opening match, Djokovic – a 10-time Australian Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles – needed four sets to defeat 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy. Djokovic made full use of the new coaching rules, which allow direct input from coaches during matches.
A Historic Shift in Grand Slam Regulations
Previously, players at Grand Slams had to compete entirely independently due to a ban on in-match coaching, which lasted until the 2022 US Open when the rule was first relaxed.
The shift gained major attention during the 2018 US Open Women’s Final, where Serena Williams was penalized for receiving coaching during her match against Naomi Osaka. Williams not only lost the match but also accused umpire Carlos Ramos of sexism in her post-match press conference, sparking widespread debate.
The Controversial “Coaching Box”
This year, the Australian Open has taken the change a step further by introducing the “coaching box”, a specially designed area for coaches. Features include:
- A dedicated space with seating for up to four members of the player’s support team.
- Screens displaying live match statistics for real-time analysis.
This innovation follows the International Tennis Federation (ITA)’s October announcement, which introduced more flexible rules regarding coach involvement during matches.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While some believe coach support will enhance player performance, others argue that it undermines the individual challenge and mental strength traditionally valued in tennis.
The question remains: will these new rules improve the quality of matches, or will they dilute the original competitive spirit of Grand Slam tennis? Only time will tell, but this marks a pivotal shift in the sport’s history.
