Coco Gauff's Smashed Racket Could Change the Australian Open

Members of the media asked Gauff about it during her post-match press conference, and as always, the 21-year-old spoke with wisdom that belied her age. "I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments — the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of U.S. Open (in 2023), I feel like they don't need to broadcast," explained Gauff.

She continued, "I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn't a camera because I don't necessarily like breaking rackets. I broke one racket (at the) French Open, I think, and I said I would never do it again on court because I don't feel like that's a good representation.

So, yeah, maybe some conversations can be had because I feel like at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room."

"I don't think it's a bad thing," Gauff explained. "Otherwise, I'm just going to be snappy with the people around me, and I don't want to do that, because like I said, they don't deserve it. They did their best. I did mine. Just need to let the frustration out."

Tennis media and fans on social media have called for more privacy for players who are trying to do the right thing and avoid public meltdowns on the court. Gauff could be the one to ignite change in Melbourne and other Grand Slam events.

Svitolina will face the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals tomorrow. The 2026 Australian Open concludes for the women on Saturday, January 31, and the men on Sunday, February 1.