In a stunning turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Donna Vekic emerged victorious over Coco Gauff in a match that was not without its controversies. The Croatian player was left speechless by her win over the American star, but was quick to address the dispute that arose between Gauff and the chair umpire during their intense showdown on the court.
Vekic revealed that she too had felt wronged by a call earlier in the set, but chose to put it behind her and focus on her game. The clash between Vekic and Gauff took center stage on Tuesday as Vekic pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the world No. 2 in a thrilling 7-6 (7) 6-2 victory to advance to her first Olympic quarterfinal.
Despite coming off a strong showing at Wimbledon, where she reached the semifinals, Vekic was considered the underdog against the formidable Gauff, who had previously claimed the US Open title in 2023. However, Vekic’s aggressive and fearless style of play proved to be a winning formula against her highly-regarded opponent.
Describing the match as “emotional madness,” Vekic expressed her elation at overcoming Gauff in what she deemed one of the top victories of her career. In an interview with Sportske Novosti, Vekic praised Gauff’s skill on the court but declared that her triumph was a significant milestone in her own career.
As Vekic prepares to face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the next round, the tennis world remains abuzz with speculation about her chances of reaching the semifinals in Paris. The match between Vekic and Kostyuk promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented competitors vying for a coveted spot in the next round of the tournament.
In the midst of Vekic’s stellar performance, a contentious moment arose when a crucial call was made in her favor, sparking a heated debate between the players and the umpire. With Vekic holding a crucial break point, a disputed call intensified tensions on the court and led to a prolonged discussion over the ruling. Despite the controversy, Vekic maintained her focus and ultimately secured the win over Gauff, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of tennis.