At a Glance
- Coco Gauff fell to Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarterfinal, losing 6-1, 6-2.
- She broke her racket 7 times in a 59-minute match.
- The loss marked a tough day for a two-time major winner.
- Why it matters: The defeat and emotional outburst highlight the pressure at the highest level of tennis.
After a swift 59-minute match at Rod Laver Arena, Coco Gauff was defeated by Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarterfinals. The 6-1, 6-2 scoreline underscored a day of struggles for the third-seeded, two-time major champion. Gauff’s frustration led her to smash her racket into the concrete ramp seven times, a moment captured by cameras that followed her closely.
Match Overview
The match began with Gauff struggling to keep her serve in play. She recorded five double-faults in the first set, which she lost 6-1. Svitolina capitalized on four service breaks, while Gauff managed only one break in the second set. The total of 15 games saw Gauff hit just three clean winners and accumulate 26 unforced errors.
Performance Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First-serve percentage | 74% |
| First-serve points won | 41% |
| Second-serve points won | 2 of 11 |
| Total matches played | 1 |
| Rackets broken | 7 |
Gauff’s serve was a key weakness. She won only 41% of her first-serve points and managed 2 of 11 points on her second serve. These figures contrast sharply with her usual performance, where she often dominates the service game.
Emotional Response
During the post-match news conference, Gauff admitted her frustration: “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets,” she said. She added, “I broke one racket at the French Open, I think, and I said I would never do it again on court because I don’t feel like that’s a good representation.” Gauff emphasized that she prefers to vent outside the spotlight and that she values her support team.
The incident was not her first public racket break. Gauff noted that she had broken a racket in the French Open and vowed to avoid doing it on court in front of children. She also highlighted that she believes conversations can be had about such moments.
Prize Money
The Australian Open announced that the winner will receive $4.15 million, while the runner-up will earn $2.15 million. All singles and doubles players will receive a minimum of a 10% increase from last year, making the total prize pool the largest in the tournament’s history.
Key Takeaways
- Gauff’s loss illustrates the high stakes and mental demands of Grand Slam play.
- The 7 racket breaks, captured on camera, demonstrate the intensity of the match.
- Prize money increases reflect the growing financial scale of tennis tournaments.
- Gauff’s comments highlight a broader conversation about athlete emotions and public perception.
The Australian Open continues to showcase the blend of athletic excellence and the human stories that resonate with fans worldwide.
