Jannik Sinner Comes to Coco Gauff’s Defense After Racket-Smashing Incident at Australian Open Draws Criticism

Coco Gauff released her frustrations after a lopsided Australian Open performance by smashing her racket in a quiet corner of the venue. She did not want to spark any controversy by hitting the racket in front of any fans. But thanks to the behind-the-scenes cameras, this moment was captured, and as expected, it went viral.

Gauff later called for more privacy, and Iga Swiatek also shared her opinions, saying players are humans and not “animals in a zoo”, questioning the constant surveillance of the players and asking for more off-camera spaces.

Although it’s pretty common to see players smash their rackets when things don’t go their way, Gauff thinks breaking a racket on the court is not a good look, which is why she wanted to do it away from the sight of anyone. Her idol, Serena Williams, however, backed her for letting out her frustrations and also offered to show her how to demolish the racket “in one sweep…Serena style.” To this, Gauff dropped two hearts and two laughing emoticons.

Well said. @alexisohanian Passion. Caring. Matters. Nothing wrong with hating to lose. Now Coco when you want I can show you how to demolish in one swipe… Serena style 🙊 🤷🏾‍♀️ https://t.co/OR96AHS8dS

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) January 28, 2026

Several players have been questioned about this incident during their press conferences. According to Novak Djokovic, “we live in a society where content is everything,” and sarcastically said, “I’m surprised we have no cameras while we’re taking a shower.” Jannik Sinner was also questioned the same after he breezed past Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals.

It can happen, no? We’re athletes; we invest our whole lives to be the best version of ourselves. But sometimes losses hurt. I understand the frustration as a player. She gives everything on court, she never says a word out of place, she’s a good girl.

Jannik Sinner said at the press conference

The defeat that Gauff suffered was at the hands of Elina Svitolina, who scheduled her career’s first Australian Open semifinal match against four-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Jannik Sinner will lock horns with Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals

To end his Grand Slam title drought, Novak Djokovic has to overcome perhaps the biggest obstacle in the tournament, for he will be up against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. Djokovic secured a spot in the last four of the Melbourne Slam without winning a set since defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round.

His fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew before the match, while his quarterfinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, after taking the first two sets off him, threw in the towel due to an injury to his leg.

Nole trails 4-6 in the head-to-head matchups with Sinner and also lost their last three meetings. At the press conference, Sinner was asked if there’s anything Djokovic doesn’t do well now that he used to do.

The level he is still playing, he is I think the most professional athlete we have here in the locker room. Me as a 24-year-old, I am lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something. I feel like every day, and every time he plays, I can learn something about him, about Carlos [Alcaraz], about all the other great, great players. I think the way he is playing and moving, if you are not professional, you don’t play at this level. He is an inspiration for all of us, especially young players.

Sinner was the reason behind Djokovic’s Grand Slam exit three times since 2024. He knocked the Serb out in the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open, 2025 French Open, and 2025 Wimbledon. If Sinner wins the title, he will join Djokovic to become only the second man in the Open Era to win three consecutive titles at the Grand Slam Down Under.

Also read: (Video) Amanda Anisimova Blasts Team Members During Australian Open Quarterfinal Defeat to Jessica Pegula