Bad day to be Coco Gauff’s racket: The U.S. tennis player releases her frustration after losing 6-1, 6-2 in Australia

Coco Gauff’s quest for a first Australian Open title continues after she crashed out of the tournament in dramatic fashion, losing 6-1, 6-2 to 12th seed Elina Svitolina. The American, seeded third, made 26 unforced errors in under an hour and did not hide her frustration after the defeat.

Gauff’s racket rage caught on camera

As she headed to the locker room, Gauff was caught on camera furiously smashing her racket into the ground, with the clip quickly making waves on social media.

Most player areas at Grand Slam tournaments are equipped with fly-on-the-wall cameras, including warm-up zones and walkways. The 21-year-old later explained she was aware of the cameras and tried to avoid them, but ultimately remained in full view.

“I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras,” Gauff said, criticizing the lack of privacy players have once they arrive at Melbourne Park.

Privacy concerns at Grand Slams

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

“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did,” she added. “So maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

Grand Slam success, but Melbourne still elusive

Two-time Grand Slam winner Gauff is the reigning French Open champion and also claimed the US Open in 2023. Victory in Melbourne, however, remains out of reach. The semifinals in 2024, where she lost to Sabalenka, mark the furthest she has advanced at the Australian Open.

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