Coco Gauff smashing her racket following her Australian Open quarterfinal exit has been one of the biggest talking points of the tournament. The incident has seen several players like Novak Djokovic and Jessica Pegula come in the American’s defense and talk in detail about the importance of privacy for tennis players.
Novak Djokovic, Jessica Pegula and Others Critical of ‘Invasion of Privacy’ Following Coco Gauff’s Incident
Gauff’s Australian Open came to an end in the quarterfinals as she suffered a 1-6, 2-6 defeat to 12th seed Elina Svitolina. Once the American got off court, she was spotted smashing her racket. Gauff later said that she was not fond of it being broadcast and with the amount of cameras present.
Many have spoken in defense of the American, with Djokovic claiming that he empathizes with her. The Serb also called the fact that a player not having the freedom to vent their frustration without being spotted ‘sad’.
“Look, I empathize with her. I know what it feels like to break a racket, I’ve done it a few times in my career. I know how it is to be frustrated, particularly after a match where you underperform, and I agree with her. It’s really sad that you can’t move away anywhere and hide and fume out your frustration, your anger in a way that won’t be captured by a camera,” the Serb said after booking his place in the Australian Open semifinals.
Pegula, who reached the semifinals after beating Amanda Anisimova was also highly critical over Gauff’s situation, claiming that it was a “real invasion of privacy”.
“I just think it’s a real invasion of privacy. I mean, we’re on the pitch, we’re on TV. We walk in, we’re on TV. Literally, the only time we’re not being filmed is when we go to shower and use the toilet. I think it’s something we need to cut down on, for sure,” the 31-year-old said.
Amanda Anisimova also defended Gauff, stating:
“Yeah, I don’t know, there are good moments, obviously that people see, and that’s fun. Then, you know, when you lose, there are probably not-so-good moments. Yeah, I think the fact that the video of Coco that was posted, you know, it’s tough, because she didn’t have a say in that.”
Defending champion Jannik Sinner was also asked to give his take on the matter, and the Italian said that he understood Gauff’s frustrations, while also lauding her.
“It can happen, no? We’re athletes, we invest our whole life to be the best version of ourselves. But sometimes losses hurt. I understand the frustration as a player. She gives everything on court, she never says a word out of place, she’s a good girl,” Sinner said.
Australian Open Singles Semifinals
On the women’s side, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces Svitolina while Pegula will lock horns with Elena Rybakina. If Sabalenka loses her match, then there will be a new women’s singles champion at the Australian Open.
In the men’s singles event, Djokovic will face Sinner while World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with Alexander Zverev. Sinner is vying for a third successive title at the Melbourne Major while Djokovic is aiming for his 11th tournament win. Alcaraz is looking for his maiden Australian Open crown which would see him complete the Career Grand Slam.
Zverev, on the other hand, is aiming to go one further than last year and win his maiden Major title.
