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 said it would be nice to have some privacy and not always be observed, even when forgetting accreditation.
Gauff sought a spot away from public view to let out her frustration by smashing a racket after her quarter-final defeat against Elina Svitolina on Tuesday, only to find she was on camera. The clip was broadcast and shared on social media, prompting Gauff to say: “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 also caught on camera forgetting her accreditation, echoed Gauff’s concerns. She said: “The question is, are we tennis players or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop? 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.”
Amanda Anisimova said she headed straight for the locker room after her quarter-final loss to Jessica Pegula to avoid being filmed. “There are good moments that people see and that’s fun,” she said. “Then, when you lose, there are probably not-so-good moments. The fact that the video of Coco was posted, it’s tough, because she didn’t have a say in that.”
Gauff has faced criticism for smashing her racket, but Serena Williams offered support on X, posting: “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.”
