Iga Swiatek has backed Coco Gauff's complaints about a lack of privacy at the Australian Open, claiming players are treated like 'animals in the zoo'. The world No 2 made the remarks after Gauff was filmed smashing a racket following her quarter-final defeat to Elina Svitolina, a clip that was widely shared on social media.
Gauff had sought a spot away from public view to vent her frustration but discovered she was on camera. She said: 'Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like, at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room.' Swiatek, who was herself caught on camera forgetting her accreditation, echoed the sentiment.
'The question is, are we tennis players or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop?' Swiatek said. '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.'
Swiatek added that players are meant to be watched on court and in press conferences, but not to become memes for off-court moments. Amanda Anisimova also supported Gauff, saying she heads straight for the locker room after losses to avoid being filmed. 'The fact that the video of Coco was posted, it's tough, because she didn't have a say in that,' Anisimova said.
Despite criticism of Gauff's racket smashing, Serena Williams defended her on X, 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.'
