Australian Open 2026: Calls for change as Coco Gauff could face $50,000 fine for incident after loss

Coco Gauff has joined a chorus of tennis fans calling for the players to be given more privacy at the Australian Open, after she was seen smashing her racquet in a corridor after losing in the quarter-finals. And it could cost her up to $50,000 as a result.

The World No.3 suffered a stunning loss to 12th seed Elina Svitolina on Tuesday night, going down 1-6 2-6 in a monumental upset. For the most part, Gauff kept her composure on court during the capitulation, but let it all loose behind the scenes after the match.

Cameras captured the moment she destroyed her racquet with multiple smashes on the ground while she thought no-one was watching. Gauff had saved her racquet-smashing outburst for when she was in a ‘back-stage’ area for players and officials only, and the American walked behind a wall so no-one would see her.

But broadcast cameras caught the whole thing, and beamed it to millions of viewers watching on TV. It was similar to when Aryna Sabalenka was captured destroying her racquet in the cool-down area after her loss in the US Open final in 2023.

Even though Gauff’s outburst occurred behind the scenes, she’s still facing a fine of as much as $50,000. According to grand slam rules: “Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site.”

Because Gauff smashed her racquet within the precinct, she’s still seemingly facing punishment from Australian Open officials. The maximum penalty for racquet abuse is $50,000, although it’s unlikely Gauff will receive the heaviest sanction.

It’s believed Sabalenka was fined $20,000 for smashing her racquet on court after the Australian Open final last year, meaning Gauff might be facing something similar. But according to Gauff, the fact it was broadcast for all to see means there needs to be a discussion about how much privacy the athletes are given.

Coco Gauff calls for more privacy at Australian Open

The Australian Open gives TV viewers some of the best access to behind-the-scenes footage of any tournament or sport in the world, with cameras stationed all around Melbourne Park. But Gauff believes it might have gone too far.

“I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras,” she said in her press conference. “I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments … I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.

“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.”

The majority of fans agreed with Gauff on social media, although some said they believe it’s just the way modern sport is going and players should be more aware.