Tennis star Coco Gauff has raised significant concerns about athlete privacy and broadcast ethics following her quarterfinal elimination at the Australian Open. The world number three suffered a decisive 6-1, 6-2 defeat against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a match lasting just 59 minutes, during which she committed 26 unforced errors.
Following the match, Gauff deliberately sought a secluded area away from court-side cameras to process her frustration, only to discover that broadcasters had captured and transmitted footage of her emotionally smashing her racket against the floor. The incident occurred behind a wall near the match call area within Melbourne Park’s complex.
During post-match press conferences, the 21-year-old American expressed her dissatisfaction with the broadcasting decisions. “I attempted to locate a space without camera coverage,” Gauff explained. “I have particular concerns regarding broadcast practices. Certain moments—similar to what occurred with Aryna Sabalenka after our US Open final—should remain private.”
Gauff referenced world number one Sabalenka’s experience following the 2023 US Open final, where footage of the Belarusian player destroying her racket in a training area was publicly broadcast. Sabalenka, who advanced to the semifinals against Svitolina, had similarly expressed frustration with the coverage.
The two-time Grand Slam champion highlighted the limited private spaces available to athletes during major tournaments. “Perhaps constructive discussions can be initiated regarding this matter,” Gauff suggested. “At this tournament, the locker room essentially represents our only truly private area.”
Gauff defended her emotional response as a necessary release mechanism to prevent directing frustration toward her support team. “I understand my emotional tendencies and prefer not to lash out at my team members who don’t deserve such treatment,” she stated. “This momentary release allows me to avoid becoming irritable with those around me who have performed their duties exceptionally.”