Coco Gauff has issued a defiant message on social media, following her crushing exit from the Australian Open earlier this week.
It had been an impressive tournament for the American up until that quarter-final match, where she ran into a rampant Elina Svitolina, who did not hold back.
The Ukrainian took full advantage of Coco Gauff, who was massively struggling with confidence and basic technique.
Her serve was shaky once again, and the errors that flew off her racket were regular and routine.
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In a justifiable show of post-match frustration, Gauff was videoed destroying her racket, having waited until she was off court and seemingly behind the scenes.
However, nothing is ever unmonitored at an event of this magnitude, and that clip has since become the outstanding talking point of the last few days.
Coco Gauff sends defiant message after Australian Open defeat
Taking to X earlier this morning, Gauff’s message was loud and clear. And, the reference to that racket smash was obvious too.
She began by simply writing: “Living and learning. But still will keep trying to move forward.”
And she will, having already proven herself to be one of the hardest-working players on the WTA Tour, desperate to fix the glaring issues in her game.
However, it was what Gauff put next that was particularly interesting, especially as debate rages on about privacy within this sport.
She wrote: “Also, im a real person with real feelings… i care a lot & im trying my best. thank you to those who understand that.”
Coco Gauff proves that players need more privacy
Gauff effectively said as much in her Australian Open press conference, but players at the top level do desperately need more privacy.
After all, these are professional athletes playing in the highest-stakes matches, and big emotional reactions to tough moments are only natural.
They are playing for personal satisfaction, glory and huge amounts of money.
What’s even worse is the fact that Gauff showed remarkable restraint to keep her emotions in check whilst on the court, waiting until she thought it was safe to unleash her fury.
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She has now been punished and put under the media microscope for what she did behind the scenes.
It feels wrong, and as Pegula said, an ‘invasion of privacy’. Perhaps this flashpoint, and Gauff’s reaction, might be a catalyst for change.
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