Coco Gauff has added her voice to growing calls from tennis fans and players demanding more privacy at the Australian Open. The discussion intensified after cameras caught her smashing her racquet in a stadium corridor following her quarter-final loss. The incident could reportedly land her with a fine of up to $50,000.

World No. 3 Coco Gauff was stunned on Tuesday night after crashing out to 12th seed Elina Svitolina, losing 1–6, 2–6 in a massive upset. While Gauff largely kept her emotions in check on court, the frustration spilled over behind the scenes once the match was over.

Coco Gauff was picked up by the cameras after her loss to Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open. Image: TNT Sports/Getty

Cameras later caught the moment Gauff repeatedly smashed her racquet on the ground, seemingly believing she was out of sight. The outburst took place in a restricted backstage area reserved for players and officials, with the American moving behind a wall in an apparent attempt to keep the incident private.

However, broadcast cameras captured the entire incident and aired it to millions watching on television. The moment drew comparisons to Aryna Sabalenka, who was also filmed destroying her racquet in the cool-down area following her defeat in the 2023 US Open final.

Despite the incident happening away from public view, Gauff could still be hit with a fine of up to $50,000. Under Grand Slam regulations, players are prohibited from violently or angrily hitting, kicking, or throwing a racquet—or any equipment—anywhere within the tournament grounds.

Coco Gauff went to a spot where she thought no-one could see her.

Because the racquet was smashed within the tournament precinct, Gauff still appears set to face disciplinary action from Australian Open officials. While the maximum fine for racquet abuse stands at $50,000, it’s considered unlikely that she will receive the harshest possible penalty.

It’s believed Aryna Sabalenka was fined around $20,000 for smashing her racquet after last year’s Australian Open final, meaning Gauff could be facing a similar penalty. However, Gauff has pointed out that the incident being broadcast to millions raises a bigger issue — sparking a conversation about how much privacy players are afforded during major tournaments.