Coco Gauff Criticizes Broadcasters After Racket Smash
Gauff said cameras filmed her smashing a racket in a ramp after her 6-1, 6-2, 59-minute Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina.
Overview
Coco Gauff said in a post-match news conference that broadcast cameras captured video of her smashing a racket against a concrete ramp at Rod Laver Arena after her 6-1, 6-2, 59-minute quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina.
Gauff told reporters, "I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras," and said she sought privacy in the ramp because she did not want to lash out at her team, noting a similar broadcast of Aryna Sabalenka after the 2023 U.S. Open final.
Tournament organizers and the broadcast network did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and an Australian Open spokesperson did not issue a statement by the time reporters sought reaction.
Records show Gauff, the 21-year-old No. 3 seed and reigning French Open champion, committed 26 unforced errors, double-faulted five times in the first set and had three rackets restrung during the match.
Elina Svitolina will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open semifinals, and Gauff said she hopes "some conversations can be had" about broadcast privacy as she reflects on the defeat.
Analysis
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Sources (4)
FAQ
Gauff lost 6-1, 6-2 in 59 minutes, committed 26 unforced errors, had five double faults in the first set, and was broken multiple times.[1]
Gauff smashed her racket on a concrete ramp to release frustration privately instead of taking it out on her team, stating it was better than lashing out at support staff and not ideal in front of kids.
Gauff criticized cameras for filming her private moment in the ramp or tunnel despite seeking privacy, similar to an incident with Aryna Sabalenka after the 2023 US Open final, and called for conversations on player privacy.[1]
Elina Svitolina will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
Gauff, the No. 3 seed and reigning French Open champion, reached the semifinals in 2024 but has now exited in the quarterfinals in back-to-back years, with no Australian Open title.
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