Texas: The ATX Open in Austin, Texas, has unveiled a dedicated ‘rage room’ for players to release frustration in private, following debate over on-site privacy after Coco Gauff’s racket-smashing moment at the Australian Open last month.
Shortly after her 59-minute quarter-final defeat to Elina Svitolina at Melbourne Park, Gauff repeatedly struck her racket on the ground in the match call area, unaware that the footage was being broadcast worldwide.
The incident reignited discussion about how much privacy players are afforded away from the court. Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek were among the players who subsequently called for increased off-court privacy at tournaments.
In response, the ATX Open in Austin, Texas, announced what it described as a first-of-its-kind initiative. “Introducing the ATX Open rage room, the first of its kind, where players can privately express frustration or emotion in a safe, camera-free environment,” the WTA 250 tournament said in a social media post.
Online reaction was largely positive, with many viewing the concept as a constructive outlet. However, some critics questioned whether providing a designated space for venting anger might encourage more physical expressions of frustration.
Meanwhile, organisers of the Dubai Tennis Championships have introduced a similar concept for fans, setting up a ‘Smash Room’ truck during the event. Chinese player Shang Juncheng was invited to test the experience in front of cameras.
“I smashed a few items, including DVDs and big containers,” Shang said. “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.”
The move reflects a broader conversation within professional tennis about balancing emotional release, player wellbeing and privacy in high-pressure competitive environments.
MOST READ | Nearly half of Britons avoid GP visits over access fears
