Coco Gauff Slams Australian Open Broadcast After Private Racket-Smash Aired Worldwide
Written by b87fm on 01/28/2026
American tennis star Coco Gauff did not hold back Tuesday after Australian Open broadcasters aired footage of her smashing a racket during what she believed was a private moment away from the cameras.
The 21-year-old world No. 3 and reigning French Open champion was eliminated in straight sets in the quarterfinals by Elina Svitolina, 6–1, 6–2. It was a frustrating outing for Gauff, who struggled with her serve and piled up unforced errors throughout the match.
After leaving the court visibly upset, Gauff attempted to find a secluded area to release her frustration — only to later discover the moment had been broadcast globally.
“I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera,” Gauff told reporters. “I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.”
Drawing the Line on Player Privacy
Gauff said the incident underscores a larger issue around privacy and boundaries at major tournaments, arguing that not every emotional moment needs to be captured and aired.
“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.”
She added that the locker room often feels like the only truly private space players have during a tournament.
“Maybe some conversations can be had,” Gauff said. “Because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”
Gauff explained that stepping away to vent privately was a conscious choice meant to protect those around her.
“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,” she said. “So I just took a minute to go and do that.”
Frustration After a Tough Loss
The broadcast controversy followed a difficult performance in which Gauff’s game never fully clicked. Match statistics reflected her struggles, particularly on second serves, while both wings misfired at key moments.
“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 Australian Open run ended earlier than hoped, Gauff’s comments have sparked renewed conversation about how much access broadcasters should have beyond the court. Filming players off-court is common, but her frustration adds pressure on tournament organizers and media partners to reconsider where the line should be drawn.
Svitolina, who advanced to her first Australian Open semifinal, did not address the broadcast issue. But Gauff’s stance is already resonating across the tennis world, as athletes continue to push for clearer boundaries between coverage and personal space.
