January 28, 2026
Gauff opened the door for discussions on higher privateness for gamers post-matches.
Amid the controversy surrounding her public racket-smashing, Coco Gauff is asking out the dearth of privateness for gamers on the Australian Open.
After a heartbreaking defeat within the quarterfinals of the match, Gauff determined to let off steam in a bodily means by hitting her rackets on the cement grounds a number of occasions. However, cameras can observe gamers wherever exterior the locker room, even throughout emotional moments. Given the openness, Gauff had no selection however to share the weak second with the world.
However, she would have most well-liked to set free her frustrations privately, even looking for a hidden space within the Melbourne Parks to take action.
“I attempted to go someplace the place I believed there wasn’t a digital camera,” defined Gauff to reporters. “I don’t essentially like breaking rackets.”
She additionally admitted that she would like to not showcase that a part of the game to youthful followers. The 21-year-old athlete even referred to as out the Australian Open broadcast for filming and airing the intimate second.
“I sort of have a factor with the published,” she stated. “I really feel like sure moments — the identical factor occurred to Aryna Sabalenka after I performed her within the remaining of the U.S. Open — I really feel like they don’t have to broadcast.”
Given their restricted house for true solitude, the two-time Grand Slam winner needs to open the ground to dialogue of privateness laws for gamers.
“Maybe some conversations will be had,” added Gauff. “Because I really feel like at this match the one personal place we’ve got is the locker room.”
The incident has sparked debate over the airtime gamers face after matches, particularly following tough losses. Gauff has now raised issues about whether or not this additional digital camera time strips gamers of their emotional security. The tennis neighborhood has additionally taken observe in gentle of her public concern.
While some seen Gauff’s racket-smashing as a show of poor emotional management, one tennis legend got here to her protection. After her husband, Gauff’s coach, defended the impassioned second, Serena Williams additionally took to social media to console Gauff, providing her a personal lesson on her signature serve.
Well stated. @alexisohanian Passion. Caring. Matters. Nothing unsuitable with hating to lose. Now Coco once you need I can present you the right way to demolish in a single swipe… Serena type 🙊 🤷🏾♀️ https://t.co/OR96AHS8dS
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) January 28, 2026
“Passion. Caring. Matters. Nothing unsuitable with hating to lose,” wrote Williams. “Now, Coco [Gauff], once you need, I can present you the right way to demolish in a single swipe… Serena type.”
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