Coco Gauff breaks down in tears after defeat
Melbourne, Australia - Coco Gauff broke down in tears during an emotional press conference following her surprise exit from the Australian Open at the last16 stage on Sunday.
The 18-year-old usually cuts a composed figure under the glare of the world’s media, despite her tender age. But it all became too much when asked about the frustration she felt during her 7-5, 63 fourth-round defeat to Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion.
“I worked really hard and I felt really good coming into the tournament, and I still feel good,” Gauff told reporters.
“I still feel like I’ve improved a lot. But, you know, when you play a player like her and she plays really well, it’s like there’s nothing you can do.”
The prodigiously talented American, who must now wait at least a bit longer for a first major crown, added: “I feel like today I would say nothing because every match you play a part in, but I feel like it was rough.
“So it’s a little bit frustrating on
that part.”
Her voice suddenly began to crack, the tears flowed and the teenager was offered a tissue, before saying: “I’m OK. We can keep going.”
Gauff and Jessica Pegula, the women’s doubles second seeds, will play for a place in the quarterfinals Monday against Miyu Kato
of Japan and Aldila Sutjiadi of Indonesia.
“I’m excited to play doubles. I think it gives me a chance to still be around and I definitely enjoy just competing in general,” said Gauff.
“So I think it will help me (get over defeat), just let me play with some frustration.”