Coco Gauff let the frustration out on her racket after a rough exit in Melbourne.
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AP Photo/Tim Ireland
The world No. 3 was caught on video smashing her racket multiple times following her straight sets loss to Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarterfinals, a moment that quickly spread online.
Gauff fell 6-1, 6-2 and struggled throughout the match, finishing with five double faults as Svitolina controlled play and won the majority of service points. It marked Gauff's second consecutive quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open.
Afterward, the 21-year-old made it clear the viral clip bothered her more than the outburst itself.
She said she intentionally tried to find a space away from cameras, explaining that she does not like breaking rackets and would prefer certain emotional moments to stay private. Gauff suggested there should be more areas at tournaments where players can decompress outside of public view.
"She played really well," Gauff said of Svitolina. "Usually when people raise their level, I'm able to raise mine, and today I didn't."
The hallway video showed Gauff walking away from the court before slamming her racket repeatedly on the ground. She defended the release, saying she would rather vent that frustration on equipment than on her team.
"For me, I don't want to lash out at my team," Gauff said. "I know I'm emotional. I needed a minute to let that out."
Svitolina advances to face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
