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American tennis star Coco Gauff smashed her racket several times in the tunnel on her way back to the dressing room after a heavy defeat at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
Gauff, the No. 3 seed in the Grand Slam tournament, fell to Elina Svitolina in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Gauff had five double faults and was 1-of-2 on break points.
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Coco Gauff of the United States reacts during her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
The broadcast cameras caught Gauff’s frustrations being taken out on her racket. She took exception to the moment that was shown to the viewing public.
“Certain moments – the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of the US Open – I feel like they don’t need to send,” Gauff told reporters after the match. “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like to break rackets.
“I broke a racket (at) the French Open, I think, and I said I would never do that again on the court because I don’t feel like it’s a good representation. So yeah, maybe some conversations can be had.”
THREE-TIME GRAND SLAM WINNER ENJOYS BEER ON COURT AFTER EMOTIONAL AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL MATCH
Coco Gauff of the United States reacts during her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
She added that it was much better for her to take out her frustrations on the racket than her support staff.
“They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional,” Gauff said. “So, yeah, I just took a minute to go and do it.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Like I said, I’m not trying to do it on the court in front of kids and stuff, but I know I have to let that feeling out.”
Coco Gauff of the United States walks off the court after her quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Gauff has never won the Australian Open. She made it as far as the semifinals in 2024. She was kicked out in the quarterfinals last year.
