American tennis star Coco Gauff was eliminated from the women's singles competition at the Paris Olympics after a controversial call by the umpire.
Gauff lost to Croatian Donna Vekić 7-6(7) 6-2 in a match filled with emotional highs and lows on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Initially, Gauff appeared to be in control of the match. She was a point away from winning the first set, but the match quickly turned against her.
The No. 2 seed became embroiled in a heated argument with chair umpire Jaume Campistol, which contributed to her eventual straight-sets defeat.
The turning point came late in the match when Gauff was two games from the end. A line call on her baseline was initially called out, but Campistol overruled the decision, giving Vekić a crucial break point.
Gauff argued that the call was made just before she hit the ball, affecting her stroke. She pleaded for the point to be replayed, stating, "I never argue these calls. But he called it out before I hit the ball. It’s not even a perception; it’s the rules."
The debate paused the match for several minutes, with Gauff wiping away tears as the supervisor joined the discussion on the court. The crowd expressed their displeasure with boos and jeers.
Gauff later reflected on the incident, saying, "There’s been multiple times this year where that’s happened to me — where I felt like I always have to be an advocate for myself on the court." She renewed her call for the introduction of video review in tennis, similar to other professional sports.
Gauff emphasised that she believed the call impacted her swing. "I felt that he called it before I hit, and I don’t think the ref disagreed," she said. "I think he just thought it didn’t affect my swing, which I felt like it did."
The most emotional moment of the match occurred during the second set when Gauff broke down in tears during the argument with Campistol. Despite her efforts, the call stood, and play resumed to Gauff's detriment. She expressed her frustration with the situation, highlighting the need for technological support in tennis officiating.
"Usually, afterward, they apologise, so it's kind of frustrating when the sorry doesn't help you once the match is over," Gauff said.
Gauff, a prominent figure at the 2024 Paris Games and the female flag bearer for the United States during the opening ceremony, faced a disappointing end to her singles campaign. However, her Olympic journey is not over. She is set to compete in mixed doubles with US teammate Taylor Fritz and in women's doubles with Jessica Pegula.
The incident with Campistol has sparked discussions about the fairness and accuracy of officiating in tennis. Gauff's call for video review resonates with many who believe that technological advancements could help prevent such controversies in the future. The young athlete's composure and advocacy for fair play have garnered widespread support, underscoring her role as a significant voice in the sport.
As Gauff continues her pursuit of Olympic success in doubles, her experience serves as a reminder of the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face in high-stakes competitions. Despite the setback, her resilience and determination remain evident, reflecting the spirit of the Olympic Games. Gauff's journey, both on and off the court, continues to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike, highlighting the importance of fairness and integrity in sports.
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