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Coco Gauff Demands Privacy After Emotional Australian Open Loss Footage

Coco Gauff has spoken out about player privacy after footage of her breaking a racquet following her Australian Open quarterfinal loss was broadcast. The American was defeated decisively by Elina Svitolina in a match plagued by her service errors. Gauff expressed discomfort, stating the locker room feels like the only private space for players at tournaments. Svitolina now advances to a semifinal clash against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Key Points: Gauff Calls for Player Privacy After Australian Open Loss

  • Gauff upset at private moment being aired
  • Lost quarterfinal to Svitolina in 59 minutes
  • Service struggles with double faults persist
  • Svitolina advances to face Sabalenka
3 min read

'I feel like they don't need to broadcast': Gauff speaks out on privacy after Australian Open loss

Coco Gauff urges more privacy for players after behind-the-scenes footage of her breaking a racquet following her Australian Open loss was broadcast.

'I feel like they don't need to broadcast': Gauff speaks out on privacy after Australian Open loss
"I feel like they don't need to broadcast. - Coco Gauff"

Melbourne, Jan 27

Coco Gauff urged for more privacy for players, saying that some moments should not be shared publicly after behind-the-scenes footage captured her breaking a racquet following a tough loss in the Australian Open quarterfinals against Elina Svitolina.

"I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras," Gauff said, expressing discomfort at the incident being aired on television and shared across social media. "Certain moments - the same thing happened to Aryna after I played her in the US Open final - I feel like they don't need to broadcast. Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like, at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room."

After losing 6-1, 6-2 to Elina Svitolina in 59 minutes in the Australian Open, Coco Gauff displayed frustration. The American's match was marred by five double faults and 26 unforced errors, and only recorded three winners to Svitolina's dominating performance, which sent her through to the Australian Open semifinals for the first time in her career.

After the match, Gauff took out her frustrations on her racquet in the players' area (and not on the court), which she thought she was safe from the public.

Explaining why she felt the need to release her emotions, Gauff said, "I don't want to lash out at my team. They don't deserve that. I don't think it's a bad thing. I try not to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion."

Gauff's loss was a stark contrast to her performance earlier in the tournament when she fought through back-to-back three-set matches to make it to the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, she never had a chance against 12th-seeded Svitolina.

Svitolina took full advantage of her opponent's weak serve, breaking Gauff six times in seven attempts and completing the match in an efficient manner.

Once again, service was a major problem for Gauff. Last season, she led the WTA in double faults with 431 numbers. As a result, she hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who has previously worked with Aryna Sabalenka, to help correct her movement when serving. Despite this effort, Gauff committed five double faults (including one on a break point and one on set point) during the first set, which made it impossible for her to overcome Svitolina.

Svitolina will now face world number one and title favourite Sabalenka in the semi-finals. The Belarusian easily defeated the teenager Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's a tough one. On one hand, fans feel connected seeing the real emotions. On the other, where do you draw the line? If it was in a designated "players only" area, cameras shouldn't be there. She has a point.
A
Aman W
As an Indian sports fan, I see both sides. We want our stars like Kohli or Sindhu to be relatable, but also protect their dignity after a loss. Broadcasting a broken racquet feels like adding insult to injury. Let them breathe.
S
Sarah B
She handled it maturely by not doing it on court. The serve stats are worrying though! 431 double faults last season? Maybe she should focus more on that technical fix than the cameras. The pressure must be immense.
K
Karthik V
Fair point by Gauff, but part of being a top athlete is accepting that everything you do is under a microscope. It's the price of fame and those massive sponsorships. Still, basic privacy in backstage areas should be guaranteed.
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Nisha Z
Her frustration is understandable after such a one-sided loss. Svitolina was clinical! But yes, the constant need to broadcast every tear and tantrum is a bit much. Let players have their private moments of defeat or victory. Wishing her better luck next time! 💪

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