Coco Gauff, the U.S. Open champion, was involved in a heated dispute with the chair umpire during her Paris Olympics third-round singles match against Donna Vekic of Croatia. In tears, Gauff argued over a ruling that occurred towards the end of the match, with her already trailing on the scoreboard. The disagreement arose when a line judge initially called Vekic’s shot out, but the chair umpire overruled, awarding Vekic the point and a service break, putting her ahead 4-2 in the set. This decision led to a delay in play as Gauff walked over to discuss the matter with the official.
Gauff expressed her frustration to the chair umpire, Jaume Campistol, emphasizing that according to the rules, the call should have been made before she hit the ball. She highlighted the importance of advocating for herself in such situations, noting that she typically does not dispute calls but felt compelled to do so on this occasion. The incident added an emotional aspect to the match for the 20-year-old American player.
The intense exchange between Gauff and the chair umpire became a significant moment in the match, drawing attention to the challenges and controversies that can arise in competitive sports events like the Paris Olympics. It showcased Gauff’s determination to stand up for what she believes is fair play, even under high-pressure circumstances on the tennis court.
