Novak Djokovic raises privacy concerns about Australian Open bringing new modification to player's box

Novak Djokovic made his way through to the Australian Open third round with a win over Jaime Faria on Wednesday (January 15). The 10-time former champ faced some resistance but came through in four sets 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2.

The Serb has a new coaching set-up in place, with former on-court rival Andy Murray joining his team. Under the new Australian Open rules, a part of the players’ box has also been moved courtside and that has given way to plenty of interactive moments between players and coaches — Djokovic and Murray included.

During his post-match press conference, Djokovic was asked to share his opinion on another possible addition to the courtside player box: a microphone. The Serb, while conceding that it might make the sport more “fun” by giving fans and social media users more content, opposed the idea.

"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," Novak Djokovic said.

"I'm sure for 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," he added.

Elaborating on his opposition, Djokovic said a microphone at the player’s box could very easily compromise privacy and lay bare the strategies that the camp makes for their players. He went on to add that such an addition would “endanger” players, something that should not be encouraged.

"The only thing that I dislike there is the fact that someone from your opponent's team might be watching," Novak Djokovic said. "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," he added.

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"I think it's a great introduction" - Novak Djokovic on courtside player box at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray interact during the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic nonetheless was supportive of the courtside player box, dubbing it a great addition to the Australian Open. He even elaborated on the process of choosing the people who get to stay courtside.

The Serb said his team discusses the player box before matches, making sure those who can have a positive impact on him during the match are present courtside. He went on to express satisfaction with the way the addition has worked for him so far.

"Well, I'm still supportive of that," Novak Djokovic said."I think it's a great introduction to the tournament. Um, the selected people who are there are selected by all of us, you know, internally in the team."

"We talk about, you know, who we think, can contribute the most by being on the court. And, so, I'm happy with the four people that I have, uh, there sitting," he added.

Up next for Djokovic in the Australian Open third round is the 26th seeded Tomas Machac. The Czech beat Reilly Opelka (the man who had upset Djokovic in Brisbane) in his last match.