PARIS — Coco Gauff got into an extended argument with the chair umpire over a ruling during the reigning U.S. Open champion’s 7-6 (7), 6-2 loss to Donna Vekic of Croatia in a Paris Olympics third-round singles match.

Gauff already was trailing by a lot when the episode happened two games from the end of the match.

Gauff hit a serve and Vekic’s return landed near the baseline. A line judge initially called Vekic’s shot out; Gauff did not keep the ball in play. Chair umpire Jaume Campistol thought Vekic’s shot landed in and awarded her the point, giving her a service break and a 4-2 lead.

Gauff walked over to talk to the official and play was delayed for several minutes.

American tennis sensation Coco Gauff’s run at the Tokyo Olympics came to an end in the third round after a frustrating loss to Qiang Wang of China. Gauff, who had been one of the most highly anticipated athletes at the Games, fell short in a hard-fought match that lasted over two hours.

The 17-year-old Gauff, who burst onto the scene in 2019 with a stunning run to the fourth round of Wimbledon, had high hopes for her Olympic debut. However, she struggled to find her rhythm against Wang, who played a solid and consistent game throughout the match.

Gauff’s frustration was evident as she struggled to capitalize on her opportunities and make crucial shots when it mattered most. Despite showing flashes of her trademark aggressive play and fighting spirit, she ultimately fell short in a 6-4, 6-4 defeat.

After the match, Gauff expressed disappointment but also gratitude for the experience of competing at the Olympics. She acknowledged that there were areas of her game that she needed to improve and vowed to come back stronger in future tournaments.

While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing for Gauff and her fans, it is important to remember that she is still only 17 years old and has a bright future ahead of her in the world of tennis. Her talent, determination, and maturity on and off the court have already made her a role model for young athletes around the world.

As Gauff continues to develop and grow as a player, it is clear that she has the potential to achieve great things in the sport. While the disappointment of her early exit from the Olympics may sting for now, it will only serve as motivation for her to work harder and strive for even greater success in the future.