Top Tennis Stars Endorse ‘Rage Rooms’ for Athletes to Release Frustration

World number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka and American star Coco Gauff are supporting the concept of 'rage rooms' at tournaments where players can privately vent their frustrations. The idea emerged after Gauff's racket-smashing incident at the Australian Open was broadcast worldwide without her knowledge.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The world’s top tennis player Aryna Sabalenka is embracing the concept of designated ‘rage rooms’ at tournaments, spaces where athletes could release their anger privately without cameras rolling, though she joked there wouldn’t be much left to break after her sessions.

The discussion stems from the ATX Open in Austin, Texas creating such a facility following Coco Gauff’s racket-breaking moment at the Australian Open, where the American player didn’t realize her quarter-final loss frustrations were being televised globally.

Speaking to media Tuesday ahead of the Indian Wells tournament, Sabalenka, who has experienced her own on-court frustrations, showed strong support for the initiative.

“Oh, that’s cool, let’s do that,” she said. “But I think after me there will be nothing to destroy. I would be there the whole day.”

Gauff expressed surprise when learning about Austin’s rage room concept, initially thinking it was artificially generated content.

“That was real? I thought it was an AI, my mom sent it to me, and I told her it was AI,” she explained. “She believes so many AI things.”

The Melbourne Park episode ignited conversations about athlete privacy at tournaments, with tennis stars including Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek advocating for better protection from cameras during private moments.

The 21-year-old American player welcomed the rage room concept that originated from her experience.

“For sure it was inspired by me, I guess. So I’ll take it nicely,” she commented.

“If I felt like I needed to let go some frustration, I would definitely be in the rage room,” Gauff added, suggesting that destroying plates might be more enjoyable than breaking tennis racquets.