Coco Gauff walked slowly down the tunnel at Rod Laver Arena, racquet in hand, eyes fixed on the floor after a difficult loss. Hours later, she received public support from a tennis icon, who defended her reaction following a 59-minute defeat to Elina Svitolina.
The 21-year-old was beaten 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open quarter-finals, ending her hopes of claiming the title for the first time. She committed 26 unforced errors and managed only three winners in an unusually subdued performance.
After the match, cameras captured her striking her racquet near the locker room area. The footage spread quickly online, sparking debate about emotional control and public behaviour under intense Grand Slam pressure.
The 23-time major champion responded with a supportive message, writing that there was “nothing wrong with hating to lose” and joking that she could teach her “how to demolish in one swipe.”
The post followed remarks from the former world No. 1’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, who praised the young player’s intensity and warned against turning private moments into sensational headlines.
For the American star, the episode reflects an ongoing transition from prodigy to established contender. Since winning the US Open in 2023, expectations have risen sharply, and each Grand Slam exit now carries added scrutiny.
Compared with previous seasons, she now faces greater leadership and media responsibilities, making emotional reactions more visible. Several former champions have noted that learning to manage frustration is central to long-term success.
She later explained that she tried to find a space without cameras to release her emotions. Bottling up frustration, she said, often leads to tension with people around her.
USA’s teenage hope brushed aside at Australian Open
Elsewhere in Melbourne, Aryna Sabalenka defeated 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in extreme heat conditions. The top seed saved all five break points, served seven aces, and reinforced her status as a tournament favourite.
The victory highlighted the growing gap between emerging talents and established champions. Jovic, who has received guidance from Novak Djokovic, struggled with double faults late in the match and lost momentum in the second set.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek urged greater respect for player privacy after her loss to Elena Rybakina. She reminded fans that elite competitors remain human and deserve space away from constant scrutiny.
Looking ahead, the American is expected to refocus during the upcoming North American hard-court swing, with Indian Wells and Miami approaching. Her team plans to strengthen consistency before the European clay season.
The veteran’s public backing reflects a wider message within the sport: emotional moments do not define careers.
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