The modern tennis spectacle thrives on constant access – but some of the sport’s biggest stars are beginning to question whether the balance has tipped too far. At the Australian Open 2026, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and world No. 3 Coco Gauff has sparked a broader discussion on player privacy in an era of relentless behind-the-scenes coverage.
Following her 7-5, 6-1 quarterfinal defeat to fifth seed Elena Rybakina, Swiatek spoke candidly about the lack of off-camera spaces for players at major tournaments. While acknowledging that visibility is part of being a top-ranked athlete, the Polish star expressed discomfort with being constantly observed beyond the court.
“Are we tennis players, or are we animals in a zoo?” Swiatek remarked, highlighting the emotional and professional toll of uninterrupted surveillance. She added that players should be allowed moments of solitude to follow their pre-match routines or process emotions away from public scrutiny.
The comments echoed concerns raised earlier by American star Coco Gauff, whose post-match frustration at the tournament went viral. After losing her quarterfinal to Elina Svitolina, Gauff was filmed smashing her racket multiple times in what she believed was a private area near the player tunnel, footage that quickly circulated online.
Gauff later explained that she deliberately avoided acting out on the court in front of fans, hoping to find a space shielded from cameras. “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera,” she said, noting that the locker room appeared to be the only truly private area within Rod Laver Arena.
Both players stressed that while fan engagement and storytelling are vital to the sport’s growth, not every off-court moment needs to be broadcast. Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and one of Poland’s most recognisable athletes, pointed out that becoming an internet meme for minor, human mistakes, such as forgetting an accreditation badge is unnecessary.
“We’re meant to be watched on the court,” Swiatek said. “That’s our job. But not everything outside it needs to be content.” Tournament organisers at Melbourne Park have transformed the Australian Open into a three-week entertainment festival, blending tennis with fan experiences and immersive media coverage. However, the players’ remarks suggest that the push for constant access may require reconsideration.
As tennis continues to evolve in the digital age, Swiatek and Gauff’s comments underline a growing sentiment among players: elite performance demands not just physical and mental strength, but also the space to be human-unseen, at least for a moment.
