Iga Swiatek has backed Coco Gauff’s privacy concerns at the Australian Open after a racket-smashing video went viral.
Gauff was left frustrated after she was recorded smashing a racket by behind-the-scenes cameras after losing in the quarterfinals, The Independent reported.
The 21-year-old faced brutal defeat, 6-1, 6-2, to 12th seed Elina Svitolina after making 26 unforced errors.
After leaving the Rod Laver Arena, the French Open champion thought she was out of sight as she smashed her racket multiple times off a concrete ramp.
The video was immediately broadcast, leaving Gauff frustrated, who said, “I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras. because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets, but I lost.”
She then expressed that she feels some moments do not need to be broadcast, highlighting that the only “private place” players have at the Australian Open is their locker room.
Her concerns were backed by Swiatek, who believes that tennis players are treated like zoo animals.
The world No. 2 said, “The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop? 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,” she added.
Notably, Swiatek also went through the same situation when she forgot her accreditation, and the clip was widely shared on social media.
