Coco Gauff has revealed that she received no apology or response from the Australian Open after footage of her smashing a racket in a private area following her quarter-final loss in January was broadcast worldwide. Speaking after her first-round win at the French Open, Gauff said: “I didn’t get anything from my email that I know of.” She noted that the WTA had sent something, reiterating that they would discuss private areas with the grand slams.
The incident sparked debate about player privacy, with several competitors speaking out. In contrast, Gauff praised the French Open for its handling of cameras, saying: “I feel like the French Open does a really good job with the cameras. I haven’t had any experiences where they broadcasted something, an emotional moment or anything like that.” Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo confirmed that no additional cameras would be added to private player areas, despite broadcaster pressure.
Madison Keys, a WTA player council member, highlighted the stalemate between players and tournaments over intrusive cameras. She noted that while players want them removed, tournaments see them as beneficial for broadcasting and revenue. “So I got some signs that are put up, and now they say: ‘You’re being broadcasted,” she said sarcastically.
Another controversial moment at the Australian Open involved Carlos Alcaraz, whose phone screen was visible via a camera positioned behind him in a player transportation area. The footage was broadcast live on YouTube. Alcaraz, absent from Paris due to injury, said: “I think there should be a line. Having a camera like really, really down so that they can see what we are looking at the phone, I think that’s too much.”
Wimbledon will maintain private areas for players and their teams, with camera locations communicated in advance. Cameras will not livestream, and all video will be reviewed by an in-house team before publication. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round in Paris, but her outfit—a black corset and floor-length skirt, later revealing a gold dress—drew attention.
