Coco Gauff had a tough day on the court during her third-round singles match at the Paris Olympics, where she faced off against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
The reigning U.S. Open champion found herself in a heated argument with the chair umpire, Jaume Campistol, after a controversial ruling that left her in tears. The dispute occurred late in the match when Gauff was already trailing 7-6 (7), 6-2.
The controversy started when Gauff hit a serve, and Vekic’s return shot landed near the baseline. Initially called out, the chair umpire overruled, awarding the point to Vekic and giving her a significant lead. Gauff, visibly upset, walked over to discuss the call, delaying the match for several minutes. She passionately argued her case, stating, “I never argue these calls. But he called it out before I hit the ball. It’s not even a perception; it’s the rules. I always have to advocate for myself.”
Coco Gauff was left in tears after getting into an argument with the chair umpire over a ruling during her loss to Donna Vekic of Croatia
“It always happens to me on this court. I have to advocate for myself every time." pic.twitter.com/Q9bWE2F33N
— moyoafrika (@moyoafrika) July 30, 2024
Despite her efforts, the call stood, and Gauff struggled to regain her composure. The 20-year-old Floridian, seeded second in Paris, had been cruising through the tournament, winning her first two matches with ease. However, this match marked a turning point as Vekic, a recent Wimbledon semifinalist, showcased her skills and outplayed Gauff.
Vekic’s performance was dominant, with 33 winners compared to just nine from Gauff. The American player had a strong start, leading 4-1 and nearly taking the first set, but she couldn’t close the deal. The disputed call seemed to rattle her, and she couldn’t recover her form in the scorching heat, which climbed above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius).
This isn’t the first time Gauff has been involved in an on-court dispute. Last month, during the French Open semifinals against Iga Swiatek, a similar situation occurred. Gauff expressed her frustration at the lack of video replay technology in tennis, feeling that crucial calls often go unchallenged.
As the match resumed, fans showed their support for Gauff, cheering her on despite the setback. However, Vekic maintained her composure and closed out the match, ending Gauff’s hopes in the singles competition.
Despite the disappointment, Gauff remains in contention in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles, hoping to bounce back from this emotional experience.
See what fans had to say below:
They got Coco gauff crying somebody PLS send me to Paris pic.twitter.com/3HZHHeziGQ
— HOOD VOGUE is tired of poverty (@keyon) July 30, 2024
we ride for coco gauff at dawn THAT REF IS GOING TO HELL!!!!! pic.twitter.com/s3o9XJYnOv
— taurus (@AY0EDEBIRI) July 30, 2024
Unfortunately Coco Gauff was wrong and the Umpire was right.
Unlike her accusation, she was clearly not cheated, and in fact, had they replayed the point then she might have actually cheated her opponent out of an important point.
Here is 100% indisputable evidence.… https://t.co/8zpOc74rME pic.twitter.com/crrpBbWYaO
— Dustin Górski (@dustinmoris) July 30, 2024
Coco Gauff is 100% correct that she has to advocate for herself on the court all the time. They give unfair calls during the game and then apologize after the fact. I’m so proud to see her standing up for herself!
— Tabbi 🌻 (@OrdinaryOrnate) July 30, 2024
YT people chalking this up to Coco gauff being a crybaby when she a young black woman tired of advocating for herself when all they do is turn around and say sorry after the tournament. He call it out BEFORE she hit
— JussHoop (@jusshoops) July 30, 2024
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