American tennis star Coco Gauff sharply criticized Australian Open broadcasters Tuesday after footage of her smashing a racket in what she believed was a private moment was shown worldwide.
The 21-year-old, world No. 3 and reigning French Open champion, was eliminated from the quarterfinals in straight sets by Elina Svitolina, 6-1, 6-2.
After a match in which she struggled with her serve and committed numerous unforced errors, Gauff left the court visibly disappointed. She tried to find a secluded spot away from cameras to release her frustration by smashing her racket.
“I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera,” Gauff told reporters. “I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.”
Privacy and Broadcast Boundaries
Gauff’s reaction highlights a growing debate about player privacy at major tournaments. She said she believed certain moments should remain off limits for broadcast.
“I kind of have a thing with the broadcast,” she said. “I feel like certain moments — the same thing happened to Aryna Sabalenka after I played her in the final of the U.S. Open — I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.”
Gauff added that her intention was not to perform for an audience. “Maybe some conversations can be had,” she said. “Because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”
She explained that venting privately was a way to protect her team and fans. “I don’t want to lash out at my team. They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional,” Gauff said. “So, yeah, I just took the minute to go and do that.”
Fallout From a Tough Loss
Gauff’s request for greater discretion came after a difficult performance. According to match statistics, her second-serve success rate was low, and her error count high, compounding her frustration.
“The backhand wasn’t firing. Forehand wasn’t really firing,” she said. “I just felt like nothing for me at that moment was working.”
While her loss ends her bid for the Australian Open title this year, it also opens discussion on how tournaments manage the fine line between coverage and personal space. Gauff’s comments reflect broader concerns among athletes about what should remain behind the scenes.
Broadcasting players off-court is not uncommon, but Gauff’s frustration adds pressure on tournament organizers to define limits. Coaches, players and media officials may now revisit guidelines on filming areas outside competition courts.
Svitolina, who advanced to her first Australian Open semifinal, did not comment on the broadcast issue. But Gauff’s stance is already resonating across the sport.