The new coaches' benches are starting to convince: "I like it when you can say what you want, when you want".
This year, the Australian Open has installed benches in the corners of the three main courts, so that coaches and players' teams can give their advice up close.
The most striking example was Andy Murray, who was very demonstrative in his seat during the 1st round played by Novak Djokovic.
The Serb, in favor of this development, explained what he had been able to exchange with his new coach: "I think it's a good thing that the Australian Open introduced this box on court. It allows me to hear them better.
On several occasions, I approached Andy and asked him something about one shot or another. He'd give me his opinion, his advice and his views."
The change was also welcomed by Coco Gauff, who hadn't expected his team to be present on court: "I prefer this set-up to what used to happen a few years ago, when the coach had to come on court once per set.
I think that was a bit weird. I like it when you can say what you want, when you want.
For me, that's fine. And I gave my coaches a choice. I didn't know what they were going to choose until I saw them in the corner when I walked onto the court.
I don't talk to them much in matches, but I like getting advice."
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, for her part, spoke of a change that facilitates communication on the big courts, where noise and distance normally prevent any conversation:
"Coaching was really nice on the smaller courts. But in the big stadiums, it's impossible to hear the coach.
Now it makes more sense, because you can benefit in both cases. If you communicate well with your coach, it has reason to work."
For her part, Aryna Sabalenka would like to see more people allowed on these benches (the maximum number being four people) :
"If you're going to do this, make sure there are more seats. Personally, I like to see my whole team.
That's important to me. I don't want to look at my coach first, then look in the stands where my boyfriend is."
Australian Open 
