"Players deserve spaces away from competition where they can recover in private": WTA responds after Coco Gauff locker room incident

The WTA issued a statement regarding the use of cameras. The privacy of players, following the controversy that arose after images of Coco Gauff breaking a racquet in the locker rooms at the Australian Open. And indeed, the world No. 3 unleashed all her frustration in the locker room after her quarterfinal defeat against Elina Svitolina. The images of Gauff smashing the racquet were captured by cameras at Rod Laver Arena without Gauff realizing it, and were later widely shared on social media.

Among the criticisms that arose toward Gauff for her reaction – and the example it could set for younger fans – there were also voices in defense of the American, especially because she thought she was in a private moment and did not know cameras were present.

Players like Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner – and even 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams – expressed their support for Gauff and criticized the fact that there are no places free from cameras where players can feel free and not always observed.

The WTA took note of the discussion and announced that WTA events will take precautions from now on to reduce the presence of cameras in off-court player areas. “The WTA stands with our players and takes their concerns about privacy and cameras at the Australian Open seriously,” the Women’s Tennis Association stated. “Players deserve spaces away from competition where they can recover in private.”

“At WTA events, we have already taken steps to reduce camera presence in off-court player areas to ensure players have appropriate private spaces. We moved to this standard because we agree that there should be clear, respectful boundaries in off-court areas.”

“We believe this issue should be reviewed by tournament organizers and broadcast partners to ensure appropriate boundaries are in place. We will undertake a dialogue with players and tournaments in an effort to shape a solution to this issue.”

The images of Gauff hitting her racquet up to seven times against the floor became public in just a few minutes, and by the time Gauff went to the press conference, it was one of the unavoidable topics. “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn't a camera because I don't necessarily like breaking racquets, but I lost 1 and 2,” she said. “I broke one racquet in the quarters, I think, or round of 16 of the French Open, and 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,” added the 2-time Grand Slam champion. “So maybe some conversations can be had because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

On the other hand, the new WTA Chair, Valerie Camillo – who assumed her role at the end of 2025 and has extensive experience as an executive across the NBA, NHL, and MLB – also made public her impressions about the chaos and assured that players’ requests for more private spaces are a “very human and fair request,” adding that the WTA will make sure to follow up on player concerns.

“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.”