Former men’s world number one Andy Roddick is among the ex-players supporting Coco Gauff after footage was shown of her smashing a racquet at the Australian Open.
Gauff had just left Rod Laver Arena after her 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina when the TV broadcast caught the American venting her frustration inside the Melbourne Park facility.
The two-time major champion told her post-match media conference players deserved privacy after they came off court.
“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did,” Gauff said.
“Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”
ABC Sport has approached Australian Open organisers for comment.
Gauff calls for greater privacy after clip goes viral
Roddick said Gauff should have been afforded a moment in private where she could deal with the loss immediately after leaving the court.
“Can she go somewhere, where she can just detonate?” he said on his podcast Served with Andy Roddick.
“Can she just be allowed to be pissed? Also can be there a unisex place for people to have private conversation and/or break something?”
Retired Australian professional John Millman also showed support for Gauff.
“Maybe there should be a room where you can do that privately, where the cameras aren’t,” Millman said on the Nine Network.
“But let’s not blow this out of proportion. She was letting off a bit of steam because she was hugely frustrated with her performance.
“I just think that is normal behaviour.”
Coco Gauff told reporters players deserved privacy. (Getty Images: Robert Prange)
Tood Woodbridge, who won 16 majors in doubles, said players needed some leeway, given the emotion toll a loss could take.
“I’m sure she’s pretty upset about having that out there,” he said.
“It does show the emotion that she cares but it’s not a great look. I’ve done it and you don’t feel good about doing it.
“But I would like to think they [players] can get off the court and go somewhere, where there isn’t a camera.”
Gauff said she would never smash a racquet on court during a match because it was not a “good representation” and children could be watching.
The women’s world number three also said she did not want to lash out at her support 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.”