Chris Evert says the umpire did something ‘awful’ in Coco Gauff’s match vs Iga Swiatek at the French Open

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Familiar foes Iga Sqwiatek and Coco Gauff went head to head in Paris for a spot in the final at Roland Garros.

Both players went into the match filled with confidence thanks to their impressive form on the French Open clay.

It was, however, the Pole who entered the meeting with history on her side, having won 10 of the previous 11 matches between the pair.

One such victory included the 2022 French Open final, with Swiatek easily overcoming the American 6-1, 6-3.

The world number one clinched another significant victory on the Paris clay a year later, winning their quarter-final clash 6-4, 6-2.

Chris Evert spots ‘awful’ decision given against Coco Gauff

And somewhat unsurprisingly, it was Swiatek who emerged victorious in their latest battle, securing yet another Grand Slam final spot.

She won the match on court Philippe-Chatrier 6-2, 6-4, but it wasn’t without controversy, with Gauff left in tears following a call from umpire Aurelie Tourte early in the second set.

The official overruled a serve from Swiatek that was initially called out, with the American claiming that she hit the return out due to the call, with seven-time French Open winner Chris Evert also angered by the decision.

“She’s right by the way,” Evert said on Eurosport. “Coco would never tell a lie to the umpire. She’s crying. That’s awful… awful officiating.

“You wonder if this sparks a little change in momentum now, with the crowd too – and it being a bit of a distraction for Iga.”

Is Iga Swiatek about to win a third successive French Open title?

A third successive French Open crown is now within touching distance for Swiatek, who has looked unstoppable from day one.

The world number one did, however, almost exit the competition early on during a second round tie with Naomi Osaka.

But the Pole produced a stunning comeback that included saving match point, with fans blown away by the superb turnaround.

It would be foolish to predict anything other than Swiatek storming her way to a fifth Grand Slam, with former men’s ace Andy Roddick expecting exactly that.

Gauff meanwhile, who secured her one and only Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, will undoubtedly bounce back after her impressive run was brought to an end.

Having already impressed massively in her brief career, the 20-year-old has a very bright future ahead, and it certainly won’t be the last time she makes it at least this far at Roland Garros.