The ATX Open introduced a unique rage room in response to Coco Gauff’s emotional outburst after her defeat in the Australian Open quarter-final. The American player, frustrated after losing to Elina Svitolina at Rod Laver Arena, retreated to a quiet corridor where she vented her anger by smashing her racket. This moment, captured by behind-the-scenes cameras, soon gained widespread attention on social media, highlighting the tension players experience during intense Grand Slam matches.
During her post-match press conference, Gauff addressed the incident directly, stating,
I just took the minute to go and do that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I don’t try to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion,
she explained.
The episode also opened a conversation about players’ privacy after their matches, with Gauff adding,
Maybe some conversations can be had because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.
Growing Calls for Privacy Among Tennis Players
The backlash from the racket-smashing incident sparked support from tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Belinda Bencic, and Alex Eala. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, used a vivid metaphor to emphasize the need for privacy. She remarked,
The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop? That was exaggerating, obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy,
expressing the frustration shared by many players who feel constantly monitored.
Responding to these concerns, the ATX Open organizers established the rage room, presenting it as a space where players can safely release their emotions away from cameras and public scrutiny. The event’s social media announcement described it as
the first of its kind – where players can privately express frustration or emotion in a safe, camera-free environment,
aiming to provide a much-needed outlet for athletes.
Players Experience and Reactions to the Rage Room Concept
The rage room at the WTA 250 event in Austin awaits feedback from competing players, though a similar initiative exists at the Dubai Tennis Championships. There, a “smash room” truck allows both players and fans to release tension through controlled destruction. Chinese player Shang Juncheng shared his own experience, saying,
I smashed a few items, including DVDs and big containers. It’s loud and it’s intense but in a good way. You get everything out of your system in there instead of taking that frustration onto the court.
Despite the introduction of such spaces, pleas for greater privacy at major tournaments like the Grand Slams appear to remain partially unaddressed. Wimbledon, for example, continues to operate with behind-the-scenes cameras during matches. However, the development of rage rooms could inspire other events to offer similar stress-relief facilities in future tournaments, balancing transparency with players’ mental wellness.
