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Coco Gauff advocates for player privacy at Australian Open after racket-smashing incident

by Chumasande Matiwane
USA's Coco Gauff reacts on point to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina during their women's singles quarter-final match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2026. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --
Image Credit: Gettys

Coco Gauff has expressed her disappointment after a video of her smashing her racket at the Australian Open was picked up on camera.

The video quickly went viral after her match against Elina Svitolina on Tuesday. Gauff ended up losing the match with a score of 6-1, 6-2. This was a disappointing result for the world No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam champion.

In the Australian Open post-match interviews, Gauff noted having trouble with her forehand and serve throughout the match, as she double-faulted five times in the first set alone.

After the match, the 21-year-old player sought privacy to express her frustrations in a ramp area leading from Rod Laver Arena. As reported by The Guardian, this is where she began smashing her racket against the concrete floor. Unfortunately for the tennis star, the incident was picked up by the cameras and video of the incident soon flooded social media.

When asked about the incident, Gauff told reporters, “I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras. I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments – the same thing happened to Sabalenka after I played her in the final of the US Open – I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.”

She further added that she feels some conversations can be had, as the only private place which players have at the tournament is the locker room.

After her quarterfinal loss, Coco Gauff has suggested “conversations” should be held on player privacy at the Australian Open after she smashed a racket in a place she thought was private — and saw it broadcast to the world.https://t.co/7rDHo26ohp pic.twitter.com/Ep6KbPhqhg

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 27, 2026

The tennis star also expressed that it was much better for her to take her frustrations out on the racket than her support staff.

Gauff and her fans were hoping she would make the final in the Australian Open for the first time.

Also see: South African young tennis talent shines at Australian Open Juniors main draw

Feature Image: Gettys

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