Coco Gauff Eliminated from Paris Olympics in Controversial Match
- Coco Gauff was in a strong position against Donna Vekić in the third round of the singles match at the Paris Olympics.
- The match took a sudden turn due to a controversial call that affected the game.
- Ultimately, Gauff's unexpected loss has raised questions about the officiating in Olympic tennis.
Coco Gauff faced a disappointing exit from the Roland Garros tournament, losing to Donna Vekić in a closely contested match that ended 7-6(7), 6-2. The match, held on Court Philippe-Chatrier, saw Gauff nearly clinch the first set but ultimately succumbed to Vekić's strong performance. The American player expressed her frustration over a disputed point that occurred just before she hit the ball, leading to a heated five-minute argument with the supervisor. Gauff, visibly emotional, highlighted her ongoing struggle to advocate for herself during matches. Despite the setback, Gauff quickly created three break points in the following game, but Vekić managed to fend them off, eventually taking a 4-2 lead in the second set. Gauff acknowledged her missed opportunities in the first set, stating that winning it could have shifted the momentum in her favor. The match was played under extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and a heat index reaching 104 degrees, making conditions particularly challenging for both players. As the world No. 2 and a strong contender for a medal, Gauff's early exit was unexpected. She had initially taken an early lead in the first set but lost her advantage after a critical forehand error. Vekić, who noted the tough conditions, managed to capitalize on Gauff's mistakes, ultimately securing her victory. Gauff later remarked that the umpire's decision did not impact the match's outcome, despite the emotional toll it took on her.