Australian Open: Novak Djokovic supports new coaching pods but says conversations should remain private

The controversial new coaching pods at the Australian Open have the full support of Novak Djokovic, but the Serbian is wary of its future and what it could entail for those on the court.

Novak Djokovic has thrown his full support behind the controversial coaching pods but says the in-game conversations with coaches should remain private.

The Serb legend had to brush off some rust for the second straight match as he toppled Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in four sets to progress through to the third round.

But there were eyebrows raised when Djokovic screamed in frustration midway through the second set amid a rough patch and then complained about lights being turned on inside Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic and new coach Andy Murray had a long conversation at the end of the third set, making use of the coaches’ pods which have divided opinions among star players.

The deep conversation with Murray created intrigue among fans and commentators with Djokovic adamant the partnership with Murray was working well.

Djokovic advanced to the third round on Wednesday. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Djokovic said he was all for the pods but was adamant they should not contain microphones for the broadcast as they could be exploited by their opponent in-games.

“It (pod) is a great new introduction to the tournament,” Djokovic said.

“It probably will change in 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 fans watching, social media, it would be very interesting to hear what we are talking about.

“The only thing that I dislike there is the fact that someone from your opponent’s team might be watching the match, and she or he hears that and, of course, then texts the team member.

“Ten seconds later you have the information. That’s the part that I don’t like.

“So I feel like there should be some discretion and privacy in terms of the actual on-court coaching tactics.

“That shouldn’t be out there public, I would say, because then it kind of endangers you live during the match.”

Former rival Andy Murray is now coaching Djokovic. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Djokovic, 37, looked vulnerable in the second set as his plucky young opponent Faria threw caution to the wind with some attacking shot making.

The 10-time Australian Open champion said he was happy the way he regained control of the match to win 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2 after temporarily losing momentum in the second.

“I really like the way I started the match and finished the match. The first and fourth set were the best,” Djokovic said.

“I was in control with a break up in the second, then dropped my level and lost four games in a row.

“I managed to get back to the tie-break but he was the better player. I think he was firing from all cylinders.

“At one point he was difficult to play against because he was practically serving two first serves and going for his shots.”

"I'll always leave my heart out on the court" 💙

Novak Djokovic reacts to becoming the player with the most Grand Slam singles match appearances in the Open Era 📈 #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/KddshjDvQ7

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Djokovic also dropped a set in his first-round win over American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy, prompting debate about whether age is catching up with him.

Djokovic said it was a challenge coming up against the attacking youngsters on tour, and praised Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca who shocked Andrey Rublev on Tuesday night.

“It’s always tricky to play these kind of opponents, mentally to sustain that level,” he said.

“Obviously you don’t know whether they’re maybe going to fold under the pressure of playing on the centre court or they’re actually going to go the different way.

“Both of my opponents in first and second round did, which I feed off that energy and just, like, play their lights-out tennis.”