Coco Gauff was caught up in controversy at the Australian Open after smashing her racket following her quarterfinal defeat.
Gauff called for more privacy for players after her racket smash was caught on camera, despite doing it behind-the-scenes on Rod Laver Arena.
The American’s comments caused a huge debate, leading to the ATX Open introducing a ‘rage room’ at their tournament last week to give players a private place to smash their rackets.
After having some time to reflect on what happened at the Australian Open, Gauff has revealed if she would be inclined to use a ‘rage room’.
Coco Gauff says if she would use a rage room after Australian Open controversy
Gauff is one of the Indian Wells favorites this year, despite having never reached the final at the Californian WTA 1000 event before.
When speaking in her pre-tournament press conference ahead of Indian Wells, Gauff was asked for her reaction to the rage room and if she would use it if there was one at every tournament.
Prove us wrong…
Gauff admitted that she would probably use it, but pointed out that she is not someone who regularly likes to smash her racket.
“For sure it was inspired by me, I guess (smiling). So I’ll take it nicely,” responded Gauff. “I mean, I guess I would. I’m someone who doesn’t break a racket like that often, but when it happens, obviously, as you can see, it happens.
“So I guess I probably would use it. It’s not something you really plan, but I definitely try not to do it on camera or on court.
“So, yeah, if I felt like I needed to let go some frustration, I would definitely be in the rage room. Yeah, they have ones, I think here, so maybe I should book one of those and actually like break plates and stuff, that would be probably more fun than a racket.”
Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka react to rage room at the ATX Open
Gauff is not the only player who has been asked about the rage, with Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka also questioned on it.
Both Shelton and Sabalenka suggested that they would be using the rage room significantly more than Gauff.
“I mean, yeah, probably (smiling),” Shelton told press. “I probably would use it. I have to look at — I didn’t hear about it or see anything about it, but yeah, I’d probably use it. Yeah, I’ve got some anger, for sure (smiling).”
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Sabalenka said in her own press conference, “Oh, that’s cool, let’s do that. But I think after me there will be nothing to destroy. (Laughter),” before adding, “I would be there the whole day (more laughter).”
While the WTA 250 tournament in Austin, Texas, had a rage room, there have been no signs of one at Indian Wells as of yet.
The Indian Wells main draw gets underway on Wednesday, March 4, but Gauff, Shelton and Sabalenka will not begin until the second round as seeded players receive byes.
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