Polish second seed Iga Swiatek has voiced strong concerns regarding the privacy of players at the Australian Open, backing up recent complaints made by American star Coco Gauff. Swiatek drew a striking comparison, suggesting tennis professionals are sometimes treated like animals in a zoo, under constant observation even in moments meant to be private.
Gauff's Viral Moment Sparks Debate
Coco Gauff sought a secluded spot to vent her frustration by smashing a racket after her quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina, only to discover she had been captured on camera. The clip quickly went viral across broadcasters and social media platforms, prompting Gauff to express her dismay publicly.
"Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like, at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room," Gauff stated, highlighting the lack of spaces where players can retreat from the public eye.
Swiatek Echoes the Sentiment
Iga Swiatek, who herself was caught on camera forgetting her accreditation in a widely shared social media moment, reinforced Gauff's position. The world number two elaborated on the issue, questioning the boundaries of observation in professional tennis.
"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," Swiatek remarked. She emphasised that while players expect to be watched on court and in press conferences, constant surveillance off the court feels unnecessary and intrusive.
Support from Fellow Players
Amanda Anisimova admitted that after her quarter-final loss to Jessica Pegula, she headed straight for the locker room to avoid being filmed. She acknowledged the challenge players face, noting that while positive moments are fun to share, difficult moments like losses should remain private.
"I think the fact that the video of Coco was posted, it's tough, because she didn't have a say in that," Anisimova added, underscoring the lack of control players have over such footage.
Serena Williams Weighs In
Despite some criticism directed at Gauff for her racket-smashing incident, she received support from tennis legend Serena Williams. Williams took to social media to defend Gauff's passion, writing, "Passion. Caring. Matters. Nothing wrong with hating to lose. Now Coco when you want I can show you how to demolish in one swipe... Serena style."
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between public interest and personal privacy in elite sports, with players calling for more respectful boundaries at major tournaments like the Australian Open.
