Australian Open: coaches allowed on court thanks to new innovation

The Australian Open kicks off tomorrow, and the final details of this 2025 edition are being finalized, such as the seating system set up directly on the tournament's three main courts.

Indeed, as unveiled by tournament director Craig Tiley, coaches (and the player's team, up to a maximum of four people) will have the choice this year of sitting in their box or sitting directly on the court, similar to the benches used at the United Cup.

This will enable them to coach and give advice to their players between points in a simpler way, while at the same time having access to a screen providing statistics and data on their player and the match.

Tiley had this to say about the new benches: "We tested them this week and some coaches were a little skeptical at first, but they sat down and said 'This is great'.

I think we'll have more than the majority of them sitting on the court. You get a very good view of your player at every point.

When they come to get their towel, you can talk to them, so you're in a position to coach your player after every point, if you want to."