Like Animals in a Zoo”: Swiatek and Players Blast Lack of Privacy at Australian Open

Top Players Say Cameras Invade Player Privacy

MELBOURNE — At the 2026 Australian Open, some of the world’s best tennis players — including Iga Swiatek — have openly criticised the tournament’s extensive behind-the-scenes surveillance, saying they feel “watched like animals in a zoo” by cameras that capture their every move off the court. The comments have sparked a broader debate about privacy, player well-being and how modern broadcast practices balance fan engagement with respect for athletes’ personal space.

The controversy escalated after Coco Gauff’s emotional racket-smashing incident was filmed in a back corridor and broadcast widely, prompting her to complain that there was no private place for players to let out frustrations outside of locker rooms. Gauff’s reaction set off a chain of responses from peers, culminating in pointed remarks from Swiatek and others.

Swiatek’s “Zoo Animals” Comment Goes Viral

Swiatek, the world No. 2, echoed Gauff’s concerns following her quarter-final exit from the tournament, suggesting that the constant presence of cameras in corridors, warm-up areas and players’ pathways was too intrusive. “The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop?” she said, acknowledging the remark was an exaggeration but underscoring her point about the lack of privacy.

While elite players accept that they are observed during matches and formal media engagements, Swiatek said there should be off-court spaces where athletes can prepare, decompress or handle personal tasks without the world watching. She also referenced her own viral off-court moment when she was briefly stopped by security for not having her accreditation, a clip that spread widely online and became another example of the issue players face.

Privacy Debate Ignited by Gauff’s Video

The issue first gained widespread attention after Gauff was filmed smashing her racket in a less publicised part of Melbourne Park following defeat. The footage circulated quickly on social media and broadcasts, frustrating the American star, who said she had tried to find a private place to vent but was instead captured on camera. Gauff pointed out that the locker room was effectively the only real private area available to players.

Gauff’s comments resonated with her peers. Swiatek’s subsequent remarks expanded the discussion beyond a single incident, tapping into wider concerns about how camera access is managed and whether it respects athletes’ rights off the court or merely serves the relentless appetite for content.

Other Players Join the Outcry

Swiatek was not alone. Jessica Pegula agreed that cameras filming players outside of official match play felt like an intrusion into personal space, noting instances where phones and private moments were zoomed in and shared without consent. Amanda Anisimova, while less vocal, also acknowledged the frustration associated with having personal reactions and routines captured and broadcast.

Even outside the women’s tour, similar sentiments have emerged broadly within the sport. Reports suggest that players across genders and rankings find the heightened surveillance outside key broadcast moments to be psychologically challenging and potentially disruptive to performance.

Contrast With Other Grand Slams

Swiatek and others have highlighted that the Australian Open’s level of camera access off court is notably more intensive compared to other Grand Slam events. Tournaments like Roland Garros and Wimbledon typically maintain more restricted areas off court — including training zones and backstage corridors — where cameras and media are limited, giving players some “sanctuary.”

The broader surveillance in Melbourne Park ties into the tournament’s approach to fan engagement and digital content expansion, where behind-the-scenes footage is used for social media, live feeds and promotional purposes. But players argue that these practices blur the line between what fans want to see and what athletes deserve to keep private.

** tournament Organisers’ Position and Future Conversations**

Tournament officials have so far defended the balance they try to strike between offering fans engaging content and maintaining player comfort, noting that players are free to voice concerns, but also that behind-the-scenes access has become a signature feature of the Australian Open’s media footprint. Organisers point to investments in player lounges and designated areas as efforts to meet both fan and athlete needs.

Nonetheless, players’ comments have sparked calls within the tennis community for clearer guidelines on off-court filming, possibly including stricter boundaries on where and how cameras may operate inside venues. Some advocates suggest a formal review involving players, broadcasters and tournament officials to define standards that respect privacy while preserving the spectacle of a Grand Slam.

Wider Implications for Athlete Well-Being

This debate reflects a larger shift in sports culture, where athletes increasingly push back against media practices that prioritise viral content over personal dignity. As the Australian Open continues, and other major events take place around the world, how organisers manage the tension between visibility and privacy may well become a defining issue of contemporary professional sport.

Athletes argue that respecting privacy — especially during emotionally vulnerable moments or routine preparations — not only honors their humanity but also protects their mental health and performance integrity. The response to Swiatek’s remarks may influence future tournament policies and public expectations about the boundaries of athlete coverage in the social media age.