Coco Gauff experienced a heart-wrenching exit from the singles tennis tournament at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to Croatia’s Donna Vekić, 7-6 (7), 6-2.
Tears filled Gauff’s eyes following a dispute with the chair umpire regarding a decision made during the match, which occurred just two games before the conclusion.
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Coco Gauff attempts to cool off with a bag of ice while competing against Croatia’s Donna Vekic at the Roland-Garros Stadium during the Olympics in Paris on July 30, 2024. (Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images)
Donna Vekic makes a forehand return against Coco Gauff during their third-round singles match on day four of the Olympic Games at Roland Garros on July 30, 2024, in Paris. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
During a pivotal point, Vekić’s return on a serve from Gauff landed close to the baseline. Initially, a line judge called Vekić’s shot out before Gauff could respond, but chair umpire Jaume Campistol overruled, believing the shot was in, granting a point to Vekić.
With this decision, Vekić surged to a 4-2 lead.
“I rarely contest these calls. But he ruled it out before I even hit the ball,” Gauff told Campistol. “It’s not a matter of perception; it’s about the rules. I often have to stand up for myself.”
Coco Gauff engages in a discussion with chair umpire Jaume Campistol at the Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris on July 30, 2024. (Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images)
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During the argument, Gauff was visibly upset.
The day proved challenging for Gauff, who had initially led Vekić 4-1 in the first set but ultimately lost in a tiebreak.
Coco Gauff expresses her disappointment after a call goes against her while competing against Donna Vekic during the Olympics in Paris on July 30, 2024. (Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images)
Coco Gauff confers with an official during her women’s singles third-round match on July 30, 2024. (Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images)
Following the disputed call, Vekić maintained her momentum throughout the match.
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For Gauff, this isn’t the conclusion of her Olympic journey. She is the current U.S. Open women’s champion and is still competing in women’s doubles alongside Jessica Pegula and in mixed doubles with Taylor Fritz.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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