Boris Becker Gets Immense Backlash for Ignoring the Player Privacy Comments of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff

Carlos Alcaraz had also discussed about the same at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Boris Becker Gets Immense Backlash for Ignoring the Player Privacy Comments of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff

Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Boris Becker (via X/Tennis Channel/Boris Becker)

In Short
  • Boris Becker faced backlash for overlooking Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff's calls for player privacy during tournaments.
  • Gauff and Swiatek have emphasized the need for privacy off the court, especially after recent incidents.
  • Carlos Alcaraz also supported the need for player privacy, highlighting the ongoing debate in tennis.

Fans on social media have blasted tennis legend Boris Becker for ignoring the fact that Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff have been talking about the need for privacy during tournaments on tour. Player privacy has become an important topic on tour this season, which Carlos Alcaraz also discussed at the Monte Carlo Masters.

In January, during the Australian Open, fans witnessed one of the most spectacular off-court scenes as Gauff smashed her racket in the corridor of the Rod Laver Arena after losing to Elina Svitolina in straight sets. The video of the incident went viral online and became a big debate among fans.

However, Gauff noted that she intentionally avoided showing her emotions on the court after losing to Svitolina as it would not be decent. But she believed that off court would be the best place to show and unleash her disappointment, and didn’t expect a camera. Since then, several female players have spoken about the need for no cameras to be displayed on TV outside the court.

Swiatek has been one of the players who has spoken at length about the issue. During the Sunshine Double, she stressed the point that the WTA needs to address the issue before Roland Garros. However, the French Open is yet to make a decision on that, but has stressed that the cameras off the court will still be available for viewers.

Alcaraz was pressed about the issue at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he’s into the round of 16. The World No.1 explained that players need their privacy despite the urge from fans for more behind-the-scenes glimpses on tour. Boris Becker then reacted to the interview that was posted on X:

Finally someone ( world Nr 1…) speaks up about the players total loss of privacy at tournaments! We wouldn’t have allowed it in my days !

However, his comments didn’t go well with fans on X as they slammed him for not saying the same when Swiatek and Gauff spoke about the issue. Below are the fans’ reactions:

Swiatek and Gauff are expected to be back on the court at the Stuttgart Open, which begins on April 13. Both players competed at the tournament last year, kicking off their clay-court season, but both crashed out before the semi-finals. Swiatek has been training with her new coach, Francisco Roig, and Rafael Nadal at the Rafael Nadal Academy ahead of the tournament in Germany.

Carlos Alcaraz not thinking about holding the World No.1 position in this clay season

Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his clay-court campaign with a triumphant win against Sebastian Baez. The World No.1 and defending champion made light work of the Argentine star’s effort on the court, crushing him 6-1, 6-3 after just an hour and nine minutes on the court. The win is his 14th consecutive win on clay.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/CARLOS ALCARAZ NEWS)

Alcaraz is seeking to retain his place at the top of the ATP rankings despite the pursuit from his arch-rival Jannik Sinner. The gap between the two is less than 1,200 after Sinner completed the Sunshine Double. However, after the win, Alcaraz noted that he’s not thinking about retaining the World No.1 position as he’s likely to lose it at one point:

To be honest, I’m going to lose the No.1. I don’t know if it’s going to be in this tournament or the next one. I’m defending a bunch of points, it’s going to be difficult to defend them all. Even if I do, Jannik is going to add some points in these tournaments that he doesn’t have any to defend. I’m going to try my best and let’s see what happens. For me, the No 1 is not on my mind right now.

Alcaraz’s last loss on clay came at the Barcelona Open against Holger Rune in the final last year. He fell to the Danish star in straight sets as he suffered an injury in the match. Since then, he has been unbeatable on the red dirt, and he’s hoping to continue with the form this season, especially at Roland Garros.

Also Read: Joao Fonseca Demands an End to Comparisons with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz: “I’m Still Not Close”