World No. 2, Iga Swiatek, has joined growing calls for greater player privacy at the Australian Open, following concerns over how much access cameras have to athletes away from the court.
Swiatek spoke out after footage showed American star Coco Gauff in visible distress following a match, a moment Gauff later said should have remained private.
The Polish star, who was knocked out of the Melbourne tournament in the quarter-finals by Elena Rybakina, admitted that constant backstage surveillance can feel excessive.
Reflecting on the issue after her 7-5, 6-1 defeat on Wednesday, Swiatek questioned the extent of off-court coverage players are subjected to.
“The question is, are we tennis players or are we animals in the zoo, where they are observed even when they poop?” Swiatek told reporters after she lost 7-5 6-1 to Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
“Okay, that was exaggerating obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy. It would be nice also to have your own process and not always be observed.”
She explained that while some areas offer brief relief from the spotlight, others provide no escape at all.
“There are some spaces that you can at least go when you need to. But there are some tournaments where it’s impossible and you are constantly observed, if not by the fans … then by the cameras.”
Swiatek stressed that players accept scrutiny during matches and media duties, but believes boundaries should exist beyond that.
“For sure, it’s not simple. I don’t think it should be like that because we’re tennis players. We’re meant to be watched on the court and in the press.”
She also criticised how minor slip-ups are often turned into viral moments online.
“It’s not our job (to) be a meme when you forget your accreditation. Oh, it’s funny, for sure. People have something to talk about, but for us I don’t think it’s necessary.”
