The Australian Open has confirmed that it will “listen to the players” after several calls for improved privacy at the Grand Slam, as Coco Gauff was captured backstage smashing her racquet to pieces. The American suffered a quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina in Tuesday at the Rod Laver Arena, as a video of her venting her frustrations off the court went viral on social media.
In the aftermath, Gauff fiercely criticised the lack of privacy she was afforded away from TV cameras, while the likes of Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek rushed to her defence. And now, Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, has issued a statement confirming that he will listen to suggestions from players participating in the tournament. He said: “We want to listen to the players, we want to really understand what their needs and what their wants are.
“So that’s the first question we’ll ask; we’ve heard you and whatever adjustments we need to make, we will make. We’ll continue to review it and make sure that the players are comfortable with it.
“But at the same time, we also want to bring the fan and the player closer. We believe, as tennis players, we can really lift up their value and the love the fans have for them. But it’s a fine line that we have to keep walking.”
Elsewhere, the WTA also confirmed on Thursday that it will reduce the number of cameras in off-court areas at the tournament. WTA chairperson, Valerie Camillo, said: “Recent concerns raised by WTA players at the Australian Open about cameras in off-court player areas are completely valid.
“This is a very human and fair request – athletes need spaces where they can recover and not feel constantly under scrutiny. Providing that space is part of our responsibility as a sport. The WTA is committed to listening to its players and acting on concerns like this.”
It comes as the Australian Open comes to a close this weekend, with Aryna Sabalenka taking on Elena Rybakina in the women’s singles final on Saturday. Carlos Alcaraz has already stamped his place in Sunday’s men’s final meanwhile, and is waiting to see whether he will meet Djokovic or Jannik Sinner at the Rod Laver Arena.