Coco Gauff shares possibility of clashes between players and staff with new change at this year’s Australian Open
Coco Gauff has no complaints about the new change at the Australian Open, but she thinks there's a possibility of conflicts because of it.
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Coco Gauff (Image via X)
Coco Gauff has no complaints about the ‘coaching pods’ at the Australian Open but is concerned about the possibility of clashes between the opposite sides. Gauff prefers this setup because, even though she doesn’t talk enough during the matches, she likes to get advice.
Gauff welcomed this change also because she felt it was ‘weird’ when coaches had to come on the court to talk with the players after the completion of a set. The 20-year-old, however, thinks there’s a possibility of conflicts between opposite players and team members.
If you’re respectful, the opposing team doesn’t say anything to you when you’re on their side, and I don’t say anything to them either. I’ve never had that experience personally on court where they bother you.
Coco Gauff said at the press conference
The coaching pods, though have not replaced the traditional ‘box’, were set up for the first time in a Grand Slam tournament. They are placed on the two diagonally opposite corners and have received mixed reactions from players.
As only four members from a player’s entourage are allowed to sit there, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka declared that she is not a fan of these coaching pods as she wants to see her whole team during her matches. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, on the other hand, thinks the coaching pods make more sense.
Australian Open director backs Coco Gauff to win her first title
Coco Gauff is bidding to win her first Australian Open title. Australian Open director Craig Tiley lavished some praise on her and backed her to win the tournament. Tiley lauded Gauff for her performance last year and said she played the best tennis at the United Cup and is expecting the same from the youngster in this tournament.
We work on helping promote her in our region and the Asia Pacific region. She’s very well-liked by the fans and has become very popular very quickly, as well as by our team. And we think it’s Coco Gauff’s time to win down in Australia, and we think she’s playing the best tennis coming in.
Craig Tiley said via Tennis Channel
Gauff won the China Open, and the WTA Finals last year and started her 2025 season by lifting the United Cup with Team USA. The 2023 US Open champion had won all five singles matches she played at the United Cup, including her clash with Iga Swiatek in the final.
At the Australian Open, the World No.3 knocked out 2020 Australian Open champion and compatriot Sofia Kenin in straight sets in the first round to set up a second-round clash with Jodie Anna Burrage.
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Gouri Das
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