Coco Gauff breaks down in tears live on TV at French Open in heartbreaking scenes
COCO GAUFF was brought to tears following a dodgy umpire call at the French Open.
The American, 20, faced world No1 Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
Having lost the first set 6-2, Gauff led the second 2-1 on serve when the flashpoint occurred.
At 15-15, Swiatek served to the US Open champion’s backhand.
The line judge loudly called the ball out, only for umpire Aurelie Tourte to overrule and deem it in.
As the loud “out” call was made, Gauff sent a backhand wide.
Rather than replay the point, Tourte handed it to Swiatek – deciding that the “out” call had not impacted Gauff’s return.
The world No4 clearly felt that this was a ridiculous decision, and went to confront Tourte.
She said: “He called it and then I hit it, I’m 1000 per cent sure.”
Tourte responded: “For me, it did not affect your shot.”
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Gauff went on to ask: “Are you serious?”
The chair umpire refused to consult with the line judge, as the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd jeered.
Gauff then added: “They’re booing because you’re wrong. He called it before I hit the ball. I have the right to finish my swing.”
Chris Evert, commentating for Discovery+ said of Gauff: “She’s right, by the way. Coco Gauff is right – absolutely.”
The seven-time former Roland Garros singles champion added: “She would never, ever tell a lie to the umpire.
At this point Gauff gave up debating with Tourte, and walked back towards the baseline.
With tears in Gauff’s eyes, Evert added: “She’s crying. That’s awful. Awful officiating.”
After taking some deep breaths, and while cheered on by the crowd, Gauff returned to serving position.
Swiatek, who all the while waited on her side of the court, then got matters back underway.
Amazingly Gauff then rallied to break Swiatek’s serve to go 3-1 up.
The Pole, 23, held her nerve to reel off five of the following six games, booking her place in the final with a 6-2, 6-4 win.
She will meet either Mirra Andreeva or Jasmine Paolini as she bids to win her fourth French Open title.