Coco Gauff suffered a controversial exit from the Olympics women’s singles after losing to Donna Vekic.
The American was defeated 7-6(9-7), 6-2 by the Croatian in the third round of the event on the clay courts in Paris.
The Olympics clash involved a furious reaction from Gauff, who contested a ruling with the chair umpire during the second set.
A Vekic shot was called out mid-rally but was quickly self-corrected, with Gauff sending her reply into the net.
The latter argued with the umpire at length, claiming the call affected her shot, with the decision standing and the former breaking Gauff before going on to win the match.
Coco Gauff’s coach wants rule change after her Olympics loss
The American was left in tears at the situation, having been in the exact same situation at the French Open last month.
Gauff was left furious with the umpire during her match with Iga Swiatek, with the former’s coach now calling for a rule change after her the latest controversy involving the 2023 US Open winner.
“I have said since we introduced Hawkeye replay calls like 20 years ago, that we should absolutely have incidental replays, umpires should have a TV monitor to look at replay, same with tournament referee if they come to court, must see replay quickly,” Brad Gilbert wrote on X.
Coco Gauff can bounce back at the US Open
There was plenty of pressure on Gauff’s young shoulders ahead of the event, with the 20-year-old the WTA number two.
The American certainly knows the venue well, having reached the 2022 French Open final on the clay courts in Paris.
Moreover, she was representing the entire nation at the opening ceremony, where Gauff became the youngest American Olympic flag bearer.
She will, however, be disappointed with the manner of her exit, but has the chance to quickly put things right this time next month.
The US Open is rapidly approaching, with Gauff the defending champion after her win against Aryna Sabalenka last time out.
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