Novak Djokovic Raises Concerns About Privacy Issue Related To 'Mic'd Up' Idea
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Novak Djokovic explained why he does not want microphones being introduced for fans to hear interactions between players and coaches.
The Australian Open introduced a new measure for this year's event. Part of the players' box has been moved courtside, making it easier for ATP and WTA stars to communicate with their coaches.
That follows the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) decision last year to allow on-court coaching, although it gave the four Grand Slams and the governing bodies of men's and women's tennis discretion in how they wished to implement it.
The move from the Australian Open to having a coach courtside has made Djokovic's matches particularly interesting since Andy Murray, who the Serbian appointed until the end of the Australian Open, can give him advice.
There have also been calls from some to introduce microphones so fans get the experience of hearing what players and coaches are discussing. Nick Kyrgios, a friend of Djokovic's, proposed this as one of his ideas for improving tennis.
Speaking in a press conference at the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic revealed he would like things to stay the same, although the 37-year-old acknowledged that microphones would make it interesting for fans.
"I don't know if we are probably changing the future with the microphone and everything, I'm happy as it is at the moment to be honest with you."
"I'm sure for the, for the fans watching and social media, it will be very interesting to hear what we're talking about. I understand from kind of fun part and stuff going viral and because there will be quite a bit of material there, I'm sure."
Djokovic opposes the introduction of microphones because opponents and their teams might hear what is being discussed. The 24-time Grand Slam champion thinks player-coach interactions should be given some privacy and discretion.
"The only thing that I dislike there is the fact that someone from your opponent's team might be watching. He or she hears that and of course then texts the team member and you know, 10 seconds later, you have the information."
"So that's that's the part that I don't like. So, I feel like there should be some discretion, privacy in terms of like the actual on-court coaching tactics and that shouldn't be out there. I would say because then it kind of endangers you live during the match."
The tennis legend's concerns about microphones are understandable. Getting advice from a coach courtside might feel useless if an opponent can hear since the element of surprise would be ruined, and it gives them an immediate chance to adapt.
While Djokovic is happy with on-court coaching being allowed, some players wish it were still prohibited. Taylor Fritz was among those who slammed the ITF's decision to introduce it. He thinks it ruins part of what makes tennis unique.
Unfortunately for Fritz and those who agree with him, the move is very unlikely to be reversed. On-court coaching is set to become a regular feature of tennis at all professional tournaments.
