Medvedev and Djokovic benefit from new coaching pods

Sometimes it's a little conference when players walk to their towels, the coaches are courtside and on their feet, using the opportunity to communicate, other times it's a word or a nod, a little insight a player might need to press forward.
Daniil Medvedev turned to his coaches Gilles Cervara and Gilles Simon for answers during his first round clash against Thailand's Kasidit Samrej on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.
The Russian was surprised by the range of the 23-year-old Samrej, a wildcard entrant ranked 418, brought to the court.
"If he plays like this every match, his life can be good – money, girls, casino whatever," Medvedev joked on court and with his team.
The Australian Open introduced the coaching pod for the players this year, they are positioned in two corners and allow up to four people. These pods have access to real-time data and coaches have the option to sit there or take their places in the traditional player box, where the teams sit.
Medvedev, the Australian Open's fifth seed, was in all sorts of trouble, but managed to turn things around for a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win that took him into the second round, where he plays another qualifier American Learner Tien.
Novak Djokovic, in the hunt for a 25th major crown, did the same late on Monday against the 19-year-old Indian-American Nishesh Basavareddy.
The 37-year-old turned to his courtside box in which another 37-year-old sat, two-time Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray.
The Scot lost four of his five Australian Open finals to Djokovic on the Rod Laver Arena between 2011 to 2016.
"The new coaching seats are basically on the court, in the corner, which allows me to hear them better," Djokovic said. "I did approach Andy a few times, he was giving me his feedback, guidance and opinion. I enjoy talking to Andy… He understands the highs and lows that you go through on the court, not just game-wise but mentally and physically. I don't need to do much explaining. He gets everything that I'm going through."
"At times it's not necessary for us to exchange words because we just look at each other and we know what happened on the court, whether it's in the match or in a practice session. He's constantly supportive and encouraging me. He's brilliant with that. He cares a lot and he's putting a lot of energy into trying to make me feel good on the court. I was looking for that extra motivation. I definitely have it with Andy."
Mirra Andreeva and her coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez spark wholesome vibes.
The 17-year-old Russian, ranked No.15, said while the 52-year-old Spaniard helped with her play, Martinez' sense of humour has improved being around the teenager.
"I really like our relationship, because I like to joke around. I don't really like to be very serious, I always try to smile and laugh. It's just easier like this," she said. "I was surprised in the beginning that Conchita is also like me. Since we started working together, she's trying to say a joke or just laugh sometimes."
Iga Swiatek, who is in Australia with her new coach Wim Fissette, said it was convenient to have coaches at courtside rather than in the stands.
"It makes sense, because now if you play on a smaller court you can use it, if you play on the stadium court too, you can use it," she said, adding that players can actually hear what their coaches were saying to them.
"If you have good communication with your coach, I think it might work," she said. "We had this rule for a long time now, but in big courts you didn't hear what people were saying to you."
Not everyone was excited with the opportunity, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka prefers bigger boxes.
"I like to see the whole team even if I'm not looking at each person in my box. I always look at my coach, but I still see everyone, for me that's important," she said. "Sometimes I just want to look at my boyfriend for support, for example. If they would make it eight seats (instead of four), it would be better for me."