By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The third-seeded Coco Gauff defended the smashing racket after crushing quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
Gauff, a two-time major winner, struggled with her serve and recorded five double-faults in the first set, when she was broken four times.
There were two more service breaks in the second set and, once the match was over — in 59 minutes — Gauff stayed composed as she left the center court and tried to find somewhere quiet — without cameras — to let go of her frustrations.
“I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras,” she told reporters when asked about the racquet smash.
“I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments … I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.
“I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking racquets. Round of 16 of French Open, I think, I said I would never do it again on court because I don’t feel like that’s a good representation.
“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did.
“Maybe some conversations can be had because I feel like at this tournament, the only private place we have is the locker room.”
Gauff said she believed it was a healthier emotional option to smash the racquet and get the feelings out immediately than let them simmer.
She said she took the minute to smash the racquet rather than release any negative emotions on court, especially in front of kids.
“I don’t want to lash out on my team. They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional,” Gauff said.
“I know I need to let out that emotion. Otherwise, I’m just going to be snappy with the people around me and I don’t want to do that … They did their best, I did mine.”
The loss to Svitolina was Gauff’s second consecutive quarterfinal exit in Melbourne, with her best result at the Slam coming back in 2024 when she made a semifinal.
Meanwhile Carlos Alcaraz produced a statement performance as he advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time with a straight-sets victory over the last home hope Alex de Minaur.