Cameras became a focal point after Coco Gauff's shocking 59-minute loss to Elina Svitolina on the evening of 27/1. The number three seed smashed her racket in the tunnel leading to the locker room, and the video quickly spread online. Gauff later explained that she had tried to find an area without cameras but was unsuccessful.

Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is not alone in believing the Australian Open should reduce backstage access for spectators. Cameras also captured world number two Iga Swiatek forgetting her access card earlier in the week, resulting in her being denied entry to the competition area until she retrieved it.

After losing to Elena Rybakina 5-7, 1-6 in the quarterfinals on 28/1, Swiatek stated: "The question is whether we are tennis players or if we are like animals in a zoo, observed even when going to the restroom, you know? That is an exaggeration, but it would be good to have a little privacy."

While Gauff wants to discuss the issue with organizers, Swiatek is less optimistic. "For what purpose?" the Polish player questioned.

Number four seed Amanda Anisimova, who was also eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-7, admitted she knows she is closely monitored by cameras at tournaments. "After four or five days, you realize it when you see everything appearing online just from you walking around," the American player said. "When you lose, there are definitely some unpleasant moments. I think the video of Coco being posted is very difficult to accept."

Legendary male tennis player Novak Djokovic also spoke out, calling it frightening that cameras are always focused on players, even when they are unaware.

"I deeply empathize with Gauff," the player with 24 Grand Slam titles said. "I know what it feels like to smash a racket. I have done it a few times in my career. After a match where you did not play to your full potential, you cannot go anywhere to hide and vent all your frustration and anger without being recorded by cameras. But we live in a society, an era, where content is everything. I am even surprised we have not been filmed while showering. Perhaps that will be the next step."

The Serbian superstar is unhappy with the current camera situation but acknowledged that they will not disappear. Djokovic continued: "I think there should always be a limit, a clear boundary. But commercially, people always have demands. They want to know how players warm up, what they say to their coaches, and how they recover. They want to see us arrive by car, walk through the hallways. So, it is true that you have to be very careful. There are times when you just want to relax and be yourself in a way you do not want the public to see."

Fans will also be curious about how Djokovic prepares for tomorrow's match against defending champion Jannik Sinner, after he was "saved" to reach the semifinals. The number four seed was two sets down to Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinal match on 28/1 before the Italian player suffered an injury and unexpectedly retired in the third set.

Vy Anh