Coco Gauff Expresses Frustration Over Controversial Call at Olympics

American tennis star Coco Gauff faced a heartbreaking exit from the women’s singles event at the Olympics, claiming she was “cheated” during her match against Croatia's Donna Vekic. The incident unfolded on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Gauff became visibly emotional as she confronted chair umpire Jaume Campistol over a disputed call that she believed significantly impacted her performance. This situation echoed a similar controversy from her recent defeat to Iga Swiatek at the French Open. The pivotal moment occurred when Gauff, trailing in the second set, was disrupted by a line official's call that a shot from Vekic was long. Gauff argued that this premature call affected her ability to return the shot, leading to a crucial point being awarded to Vekic. This decision ultimately allowed Vekic to secure a decisive break and win the match, leaving Gauff in tears as she continued to plead her case with the umpire. In her post-match comments, Gauff expressed her frustration with the lack of fairness she feels she experiences on the court, stating, “It always happens to me on this court!” She emphasized the need for video review technology in tennis, citing multiple instances this year where she felt compelled to advocate for herself during matches. Gauff lamented that while officials often apologize after the fact, such acknowledgments do little to alleviate the disappointment of a lost match.