Coco Gauff opened a public dialogue between players, fans, and tournaments after she was captured smashing her racket in Melbourne, a moment she believed would be private. The incident raised questions over tournaments’ growing use of behind-the-scenes cameras, eventually prompting the French Open to take a stand.
During her post-match press conference at the ongoing event, Gauff touched on the issue and shared the experiences she’s had at the French Open.
Amid the Camera Controversy, Coco Gauff Believes the French Open Is in the Clear
In recent times, broadcasters have requested better access to players in an effort to establish a deeper connection between fans and the players. The increased presence of cameras has, however, triggered “lack of privacy” claims from athletes.
When Gauff’s racket smash after her loss to Elina Svitolina was shown publicly, the Australian Open came under fire for filming and broadcasting players’ private moments. Months later, the French Open announced a limitation on backstage cameras amid increasing requests for access from broadcasters.
“We really want to maintain respect for the players’ privacy,” tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said during her French press conference. “It’s something we will not change this year in terms of any cameras that we can add.”
While addressing the topic after beating Taylor Townsend on Tuesday, Gauff said, “I feel like I started a conversation because then I saw Carlos (Alcaraz) talking about it. It’s been a quiet issue among the players and tournaments for a while. And then I think when that happened, it made it a bit more public.”
She shared a favorable review of the French Open’s existing policies, noting that she has never experienced a violation of privacy at the tournament.
“I feel French Open does a really good job with the cameras. Personally, I haven’t had any experiences where they’ve broadcast an emotional moment or anything like that. I pray before my matches, and we usually do it in the gym, and they’ve never broadcast that. I’m sure I’ve been crying in that gym before, and they’ve never broadcast that.”
The American added that instead of installed cameras, the players are generally filmed by cameramen and are given an option to opt out. The same isn’t the case at the Australian Open.
“I think the issue was also specific to Australia. Almost all the private areas outside the locker room are recorded, so you don’t have anywhere to go. And some of the cameras do look like security cameras, not necessarily like broadcast cameras.”
To reach a middle ground, Gauff entertained the idea of “having a sign” or a “red light” on cameras to warn players that they are being filmed.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff Privacy Complaints Prompt French Open Backstage Camera Ban
On the tennis side, the defending champion is gearing up for her second-round contest in Paris. She faces Egypt’s Mayar Sherif for a place in the third round on Thursday.
