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Gauff criticizes lack of privacy after defeat
American tennis star Coco Gauff has called for greater privacy protections for players after behind-the-scenes footage of her smashing a racquet following a crushing Australian Open quarter-final loss was broadcast on television and social media.
The match that ended Gauff's campaign
Gauff, 21, suffered a decisive 6-1 6-2 defeat to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in just 59 minutes. The match was marked by five double faults, 26 unforced errors, and only three winners from the American. She later admitted to suppressing her frustration until she could find a private space.
Calls for change in tournament coverage
Gauff referenced a similar incident involving Aryna Sabalenka after the 2023 US Open final, where Sabalenka was filmed smashing her racquet post-match. "I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras," Gauff said. "Certain moments-the same thing happened to Aryna after I played her in the US Open final-I feel like they don't need to broadcast."
She added that the locker room is the only truly private space for players at tournaments like the Australian Open.
Former champion echoes concerns
Pat Cash, a former Wimbledon winner, supported Gauff's stance, telling BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra that players need designated quiet areas. "There are cameras absolutely everywhere, and players need to have sanctuary," he said. "The locker room and hotel room are the only places they can truly escape-it's not right."
Svitolina's clinical performance
Svitolina, the 12th seed, capitalized on Gauff's struggles, converting six of seven break point opportunities to reach her first Australian Open semi-final. The Ukrainian will next face top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who dominated 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-3 6-0 in the quarter-finals.
Sabalenka's dominance continues
Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, extended her winning streak to 10 matches and 20 consecutive sets in 2026. She has reached the semi-finals at 14 of the last 17 Grand Slams, joining Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis as the only women to achieve eight consecutive semi-final appearances in the past 38 years.
"Every player comes here with the mentality of 'trophy or nothing,'" Sabalenka said. "I'm focusing on each point and giving my best."
Extreme heat adds to challenges
Sabalenka's quarter-final against Jovic was played in temperatures exceeding 40°C, prompting officials to close the roof on Rod Laver Arena for the remainder of the day's matches. Jovic described Sabalenka as "very inspiring," praising her ability to channel frustration into motivation.
Gauff's serve struggles resurface
Despite hiring biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan-who previously worked with Sabalenka-to improve her serve, Gauff double-faulted five times in the first set against Svitolina, including on break point and set point. She led the tour in double faults last season with 431, 131 more than any other player.
