Following Coco Gauff's backstage outburst controversy at the Australian Open earlier this year, the French Open is now taking steps to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

The French Open, scheduled from May 18 to June 7, 2026, will take a different approach from the Australian Open by not increasing backstage camera coverage. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo confirmed that private, camera-free areas will remain in place, despite pressure from broadcasters for greater behind-the-scenes access.

“We really want to maintain respect for the players’ privacy,” said Amélie Mauresmo, adding, “It’s something we will not change this year in terms of any cameras that we can add.”

At the Australian Open earlier this year, Gauff was seen smashing her racket against a concrete ramp after leaving Rod Laver Arena following a 59-minute loss to Elina Svitolina.

Although she later admitted she never expected that private moment of frustration to be captured and made public, the damage had already been done.

“Certain moments … I feel like they don’t need to broadcast,” the world No. 3 said after her quarter-final loss. "I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.”

Several players, including Iga Świątek, backed her and likened the experience to a zoo, prompting the ATX Open to introduce a camera-free “Rage Room” inspired by Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys.

Taking things further, the French Open has now announced it will become the first Grand Slam to allow previously banned wearables like Whoop.

French Open Shifts Focus to Player Health in Bold Performance Push

Earlier this month, Amélie Mauresmo confirmed that players will be allowed to use wearable devices during the French Open.

“We want to provide the players with the best possible experience, and we listen to their requests,” Mauresmo said, adding, “Once again, the aim is to improve players' performance.”

Wearable systems like the WHOOP fitness tracker, first released to the public in 2015, monitor key metrics such as heart rate, sleep, recovery, and physical strain, while also helping detect early signs of potential health issues.

Keeping such devices would prove highly beneficial for players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka, who previously had to remove their WHOOP bands - making the French Open’s move a positive step forward.

That said, what are your thoughts on their new camera policy?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy