Tennis Gets a 'Rage Room': ATX Open Unveils Unique Stress-Buster

Players can now unleash their frustrations in a secure, camera-free “rage room” where they can smash their rackets without being watched

ATX Open in Austin, Texas, introduces a 'rage room' for players to release frustrations privately. WTA tournament offers secure space for athletes to vent emotions after Coco Gauff's racket-smashing incident.

Tennis players get a chance to smash their frustrations in a unique 'rage room' setup...

A WTA tournament in Texas has introduced a unique way for players to manage their emotions - a “rage room.” This comes after Coco Gauff's recent racket-smashing incident at the Australian Open sparked debate about player privacy.

Gauff's outburst occurred during her quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina, when she smashed her racket on the ground in the match call area. Unbeknownst to her, the moment was being broadcast globally, putting the spotlight on player behavior and privacy.

The rage room at the Texas tournament offers players a private space to release their frustrations, away from prying cameras.

 

The ATX Open in Austin, Texas, has introduced a unique solution to address the issue of player privacy off the court. The tournament has created a "rage room" where players can privately express their emotions and frustrations without being captured on camera. This move comes after top players like Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek called for more private spaces to process their emotions without constant surveillance.

The rage room is a secure, camera-free environment designed to allow athletes to release tension and emotions safely. Players like Chinese player Shang Juncheng have already tried it out, describing the experience as "loud and intense but in a good way". While some fans have praised the initiative as a thoughtful nod to player mental health, others have questioned whether it might encourage physical expressions of frustration rather than healthier coping strategies.

“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 posted on its social media platforms.

The post featured a sign with the words “don't smile” and “count to three” alongside a broken racket, adding to the room's intense vibe. This setup is meant to give players a space to let loose and release tension.

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. pic.twitter.com/aeqh36kAsD

— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) February 25, 2026

The reaction online was largely positive, with many praising the initiative as a thoughtful move for player mental health. However, some people questioned whether the room might encourage players to express their frustrations physically, potentially promoting destructive behavior.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Tennis Championships organisers have set up a “Smash Room” truck for fans to try out. Chinese player Shang Juncheng was invited to give it a go in front of the cameras, showing that it's not just for players - fans can also let out their tennis frustrations.