OLYMPIC GAMES
Coco Gauff is eliminated from Paris 2024 and rails against the judges
The 2023 US Open winner argued a point with the umpire during the second set and broke down in tears.
Coco Gauff’s participation in the women’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is over. The American was eliminated by Croatian Donna Vekic in the third round after losing in two sets 7-6 (9-7) and 6-2, a match that had its fair share of controversy.
The US flag bearer at the opening ceremony argued with umpire Jaume Campistol after a point that gave Vekic the sixth game of the second set. The line judge called out when the Croat returned a serve, so Gauff responded softly and missed her shot. However, Campistol marked the ball in the court and the Croat took the lead.
“I never argue these calls but you called it out before I hit the ball. It always happens to me on this court. It always happens to me at French Opens every time… I always have to advocate for myself every time,” Gauff said before breaking down in tears.
During the discussion with referee Jaume Campistol, she said that he could have been wrong based on Gauff's reaction. However, the decision was upheld. After the match, the Delray Beach native said that Olympic tennis should include a help system like the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in soccer.
“I can’t say I would have won the match if I would have won that point. But being down a break... Maybe replaying that point can make a big difference in that game,” Gauff said afterwards.
Coco Gauff still has a chance to win medals
Although she was eliminated in the singles, Gauff will still be active at Paris 2024. The 2023 US Open winner is still active in mixed doubles and women’s doubles. In the former, she will partner Taylor Fritz and face Gabriela Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime tomorrow at 06:00 ET on Court Simonne-Mathieu. An hour later, she is scheduled to play alongside Jessica Pegula against Czechs Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova.