Swiatek supports Gauff’s request for increased privacy at the Australian Open.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Iga Swiatek expressed her support for Coco Gauff’s worries regarding the persistent camera presence at tennis events, advocating for increased privacy and space for players to engage in activities “without the entire world observing.”
Gauff pointed out the absence of privacy after her racket-smashing incident away from the court gained widespread attention following her quarterfinal defeat at the Australian Open on Tuesday. She mentioned that “discussions can be had” about the seemingly unrestricted access certain cameras have, tracking players from the locker room to the court and nearly everywhere else.
Swiatek, who was defeated 7-5, 6-1 by fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, was inquired about her thoughts on the lack of off-camera spaces for players and her perspective on the balance between entertainment and player privacy.
“Yeah, the question is, are we tennis players or are we, like, animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop, you know?” she remarked, slightly apologizing for the latter analogy. “OK, that was obviously an exaggeration, but it would be nice to have some privacy.
“It would also be nice to, I don’t know, have your own process and not always be, like, observed.”
Swiatek and Gauff rank among the top three players in women’s tennis, making it understandable that they would attract more attention during the tournament.
The image of Swiatek being halted by security after forgetting her credential became a meme. She has secured four French Open titles along with Wimbledon and the U.S. Open — but security is, well, security.
The off-court camera monitoring is present at other tournaments and is not exclusive to the Australian Open, where organizers have developed a three-week festival around the season-opening major by including various fan-engagement activities.
The footage from the non-public areas of the stadium is not always aired, but players are aware that some moments captured may appear online for being amusing, informative, or simply dramatic.
Swiatek, the No. 2-ranked player globally, mentioned there are aspects of her game she would prefer to practice right before stepping onto the court and “it would be nice to have some space where you can do that without the entire world watching.”
As one of Poland’s prominent athletes, she recognizes that being in the public eye is an inherent part of being a tennis champion.
“We’re tennis players,” she stated. “We’re meant to be observed on the court, you know, and in the press. That’s our job. It’s not our job, like, to be a meme when you forget your accreditation.
“Oh, it’s funny, yeah, for sure. People have something to discuss. But for us, I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Gauff, a two-time major champion and the world’s No. 3 player, smashed her racket into the concrete floor of a ramp near the player area seven times following her loss to Elina Svitolina on Day 10.
Gauff faced difficulties with her serve in the 59-minute match and maintained her composure as she exited the center court before seeking a quieter spot to express her frustration.
It turned out that there is virtually no area within the confines of Rod Laver Arena, aside from the locker rooms, that is outside the reach of the cameras.
“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 be broadcast,” Gauff stated in her post-match press conference. “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.”
Gauff mentioned she preferred not to smash her racket on the court in front of fans as she believed it was not a good image, which is why she opted for a more secluded area.
“So, yeah, maybe some discussions can be had,” she said, “because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: espn.com
