Novak Djokovic weighs in on US Open coaching debate - "it's not comparable"
Novak Djokovic has backed on-court coaching in tennis and suggested ways in which it should become more common, while comparing the situation in tennis to that of basketball.
At the US Open, players can receive advice or take pointers from their team during a match. In the past the Serbian has been seen shouting at his box during matches and in his post-match press conference after reaching the third round at Flushing Meadows, a reporter asked if he does so because he is looking for answers from his coach.
He then compared the situation to basketball, citing the fact players are not often seen calling out to their team after missing a free-throw, for example. “Well, it’s different in basketball because you can basically go to your coach or bench any time you want," Djokovic said. "We are not able to do that. It’s quite different, you know, than basketball. It’s really not comparable.
“So we have to sometimes raise our voice in order for our team to hear us or for us to hear them, because otherwise, you know, we have to communicate with the signs or signals. You know, it’s louder out on the court.” 2023 witnessed the first full year of both the WTA and ATP implementing on-court coaching, having rolled out trial periods of the rule last season.
The rule being introduced was controversial, with many believing it would take away from the tactical side of the game. Tennis purists will allude to the fact that once a player is out on the court, and having done their preparation beforehand, it is up to the player and nobody else to figure out how to beat their opponent. However, since the rule was implemented full-time this year, it has done little to significantly change tennis as we know it.
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Commenting on possibly introducing headsets as a method of communication between players and their coaches, Djokovic said: “I would want to see, honestly, you know, a possibility of — I’m actually supportive of the on-court coaching or headset communication, whatever ways of getting more coaching. I think it’s good. I think it’s good for the audience. It’s good for the player.
"I understand that there are some, you know, opponents of this, you know, coaching rule that are saying, Yeah, you’re a tennis player, individual athlete, so you have to figure things out by yourself. Well, you have to figure them out anyway, even if the coach comes in, say, in a set break or whatever, and you talk, you still have to have to play yourself, right? There is no substitution.” Djokovic conducted his post-match press conference after defeating Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. The 36-year-old saved all six break points he faced to advance after two hours and two minutes and record his 40th victory this season.
The Serbian has booked his place in the third round of the 2023 US Open (Getty Images)"He started off solid," Djokovic said. "We had some rallies. We kind of had to reach out for the towel basically after each one of those longer rallies, so it took a bit more time and effort. But, you know, one break was enough. Then after that, the second set I played really good. Beginning of the third, couple of close games, but last four games of the third I ended up really playing really well. I'm pleased with the way I'm feeling, playing on the court."
Djokovic’s latest win means he will reclaim the number one ranking on Monday September 11, even if he does not win this year’s US Open. He will next meet compatriot Laslo Djere after he beat Frenchman Hugo Gaston 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
"He's in very good form," Djokovic said ahead of playing his countryman. "It's great for Serbian tennis that we have, you know, a matchup in the third round. So one Serbian is going to be definitely in the fourth round, which is always great for our tennis."
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