American World No. 2 tennis champion Coco Gauff has criticised the absence of privacy at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Her complaints come after backstage footage showing her smashing a tennis racket went viral, after getting knocked out of the round of 16 by Elina Svitolina.
During a post-match media briefing, Gauff shared concerns about the lack of privacy at the tournament.
“I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras. I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like at certain moments, the same thing happened to Aryna after I played her in the final of US Open. I feel like they don’t need to broadcast. So maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room”, said Gauff.
In an attempt to set the record straight, Gauff explained her reasons for breaking the racket.
“I think for me, I know myself and I don’t want to lash out on my team. They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional. So yeah, I just took the minute to go and do that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I try not to do it in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion”, Gauff justified.
Despite her explanation, the video sparked some controversy and debate around the conduct of athletes.
While it is largely understood that emotions can be high especially in tournaments of this magnitude, some critics have called Gauff out on her display of obvious distress and frustration.
Furthermore, this occurrence has intensified calls for women athletes to be allowed to express their emotions like their male counterparts without judgement.
