Coco Gauff issues fresh statement after her shock behind-the-scenes racket smash – as tennis stars rally around world No 3

Coco Gauff has said that she will ‘keep trying to move forward’ in a fresh statement released a day after she appeared to criticise Australian Open organisers for broadcasting footage of her smashing her racket. 

The American star suffered a shock 6-1, 6-2 defeat by the world No 12 Elina Svitolina on Monday. 

After the match, the 21-year-old was seen leaving the court at Rod Laver Arena and heading backstage. It was here that a camera, placed in an operational area of the stadium, caught Gauff repeatedly slamming her racket into the ground, furious at her loss.

It was an out-of-character explosion of emotion from the world No 3. But the incident has raised questions of how much privacy tennis stars are afforded at the Grand Slams, with Iga Swiatek today echoing Gauff’s calls for the removal of cameras in player areas. 

On Tuesday, Gauff took to social media to speak out again on the incident. 

‘Living and learning,’ the American wrote on Instagram. ‘But still will keep trying to move forward. Also, I’m a real person with real feelings…’ 

‘I care a lot and I’m trying my best. Thank you to those who understand that,’ she said, adding a ‘heart’ emoji.  

The reigning French Open champion added several pictures to the post of her competing at the Australian Open over the past week. 

On Monday, Gauff fronted the media, stating that she felt ‘conversations can be had’ around the level of access broadcasters can have in behind-the-scenes areas. 

‘I have a thing with the broadcast,’ she said after the defeat. ‘I feel like certain moments – the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of the US Open – they don’t need to be broadcast.

‘I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera, because I don’t like breaking rackets. I broke one racket at the French Open and I said I would never do it again on court, because I don’t feel like that’s a good representation.

‘I went somewhere where I thought they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did. 

‘Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.’

Swiatek was also caught on camera this week forgetting her accreditation in a clip that was also widely shared on social media. 

After suffering defeat on Tuesday by Elena Rybakina, the world No 2 empathised with Gauff’s complaints.

‘The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop?’ Swiatek asked. 

‘That was exaggerating, obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy. It would be nice also to have your own process and not always be observed.

‘I don’t think it should be like that because we’re tennis players, we’re meant to be watched on the court and in the press, that’s our job. It’s not our job to be a meme when you forget your accreditation.

‘It’s funny, for sure. People have something to talk about. But, for us, I don’t think it’s necessary.’

Jessica Pegula, who sits on the WTA Players’ Council, also supported Gauff’s call, saying: ‘Coco wasn’t wrong when she said the only place is the locker room, which is crazy.

‘I saw online people were zooming in on players’ phones and stuff like that. That’s so unnecessary. I just think it’s really an invasion of privacy.

‘Literally, the only time you’re not being recorded is when you are going to shower and go to the bathroom. I think that’s something that we need to cut back on, for sure.

‘I’ve had the tournament tell me to take down some stuff because they own footage and stuff like that. I’m like: “Are you serious? I post something that has to be taken down, but then you can see me on every single hallway that I’m walking in and post it online?” It’s not cool.

‘It seems to be worse here than maybe other years, so I think now it’s going to definitely be talked about and highlighted again moving forward.’

Amanda Anisimova admitted she headed straight for the locker room, where she knew she would not be filmed, after her quarter-final loss to Pegula.

‘There are good moments, obviously, that people see, and that’s fun,’ said the American.

‘Then, when you lose, there are probably not-so-good moments. I think the fact that the video of Coco was posted, it’s tough, because she didn’t have a say in that.’

Novak Djokovic empathised with the complaints of other players, but does not believe the situation is reversible.

‘It’s really sad that you can’t basically move away anywhere and hide and fume out your frustration, your anger, in a way that won’t be captured by a camera,’ he said.

‘But we live in a society and in times where content is everything, so it’s a deeper discussion. I guess it’s really hard for me to see the trend changing in the opposite direction, meaning we take out cameras. If you see, it’s only going to be as it is or even more cameras.’

Gauff has been criticised in some quarters for smashing her racket but she was given support by Serena Williams, who wrote on X: ‘Passion. Caring. Matters. Nothing wrong with hating to lose. Now Coco, when you want, I can show you how to demolish in one swipe… Serena style.’

In response, Tennis Australia, which runs the tournament, said: ‘Striking the right balance between showcasing the personalities and skills of the players, while ensuring their comfort and privacy, is a priority for the AO.

‘Each year we provide more private spaces for players where they can relax, focus on their preparation and work with their teams privately. This includes a player quiet room and strategy rooms, a sleep room, private locker rooms, medical, health, wellbeing and beauty rooms.

‘Cameras capturing behind-the-scenes are positioned in operational areas where the players warm up, cool down and make their journey to and from the court. This is all designed to provide fans with a deeper connection to the athletes and help them build their fan base.

‘Our goal is always to create an environment that supports the players to perform at their best, while also helping fans appreciate their skill, professionalism and personalities.

‘As always, we value feedback from the players and will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the right balance.’