"Cheated" Coco Gauff loses cool at Olympics, exits to Donna Vekic in Paris

Coco Gauff’s dream of an Olympic gold medal in women’s singles ended in frustration and tears as a lengthy argument over a line call hastened her 7-6 (7), 6-2 defeat to Donna Vekic at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

The world No. 2 was down break point at 2-3 in the second set when an overruled “out” call from umpire Jaume Campistol caused Gauff to lose her cool, unsuccessfully arguing the point ought to have been replayed due to her claim that the earlier "out" call had interfered with her shot. Feeling "cheated" by Campistol's decision and receiving no relief the tournament supervisor, the reigning US Open champion went on to lose the final three games of the match and bow out to Vekic in just under two hours.

Gauff had enjoyed a dream start to her Olympic debut, sharing U.S. flagbearing duties with NBA legend LeBron James and breezing through her opening two matches with the combined loss of just two games. A former finalist at Roland Garros, the No. 2 seed was on the precipice of competing for the medal rounds ahead of her encounter with Vekic, who was fresh off reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.

The No. 13 seed may prefer quicker courts, but Vekic, who endured a heartbreaking loss of her own at the All England Club to Jasmine Paolini, proved equally capable on Court Philippe-Chatrier, saving a set point at 2-5 in the opening set and winning seven of the next eight games, saving two more set points to squeak out the first set in a tiebreaker.

Initially undaunted, Gauff opened up a break advantage early in the second set, threatening to force a final set. But the American quickly lost the next two games before the unfortunate incident with Campistol.

Arguing through tears, Gauff expressed dismay at feeling she had to “advocate for herself,” and claimed there have been multiple instances of officials apologizing to her for incorrect calls. Respectful throughout, Gauff was nonetheless dissatisfied by the ordeal and though she channeled that frustration into a 0-40 lead on Vekic’s serve, the Croat saved all three break chances and surged over the finish line in straight sets.

Gauff remains a medal contender in the women’s doubles and mixed events with partners Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, respectively, while Vekic will await the winner of the third round between No. 7 seed Maria Sakkari and No. 12 seed Marta Kostyuk.