Coco Gauff suffers double devastation in French Open drama
Coco Gauff has suffered a second heartbreaking defeat in a French Open final in as many days, after losing in three sets in the doubles final.
Partnering compatriot Jessica Pegula, the two Americans were beaten by Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic in a rollercoaster women's doubles final at Roland Garros.
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The French pair stormed back after meekly surrendering the first set, winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to add the 2022 title to their 2016 Roland Garros triumph.
In Paris on Saturday, Gauff also broke down in tears after losing the singles final in straight sets to Poland's World No.1 Iga Swiatek, who equally the longest winning streak this century with her 25th straight triumph.
"Hopefully, we can win one in the future," Gauff told the crowd, while praising the atmosphere at Roland Garros.
"The band was pretty cool, I thought I was at an American football game."
Six years after winning the @rolandgarros doubles title, @KikiMladenovic & #CarolineGarcia have done it again, beating @CocoGauff & #JessicaPegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Tough to lose 2 finals in 2 days for Coco but she's had an amazing French Open & will be back for more. Only 18!
— Richard Ingham Evans (@Ringham7) June 5, 2022
Coco Gauff lost the Doubles final. Poor girl. She'll have more chances.
— Ovie (@ovie52009) June 5, 2022
Wow. Congratulations, @CocoGauff for making it to @rolandgarros Finals in both singles and Doubles. That’s an amazing feat. Shows how hard you’re working on your overall game. You’ll get there!
— Richie P. ✍🏾📷🎾Story creator. Image catcher (@RealRichieP) June 5, 2022
Coco Gauff loses Singles Title and loses Doubles Title the next day. That's tough especially for an 18 year old. Huge learning moment
— Yaw Adjei-Mintah (@YawMintYM) June 5, 2022
.@CocoGauff
Congrats on a phenomenal week in Paris, making the finals in singles & doubles at the #FrenchOpen! 🥳🎉 I’m so incredibly proud of you! 🙌🏾
Keep your head up, Coco! Like Kiki said, making both finals at 18 is just… respect! ✊🏾 Your time will come! 💫#RolandGarros— Kimberly A. Woodard (@BeingKimmie) June 5, 2022
Gauff will no doubt walk away from the French Open with mixed feelings, after her incredible run to a maiden grand slam final ended in heartbreak.
The 18-year-old was no match for the World No.1 in the singles final, but could hold her head high after a remarkable run to the final.
Coco Gauff breaks down after singles defeat
Nevertheless, the teenager was still gutted about her performance in the decider and was reduced to tears while sitting at her courtside seat after the match.
Gauff buried her head in her towel and was consoled by tournament director Amalie Mauresmo, before composing herself for the post-match presentation.
However the tears flowed once again as she thanked her supporters in her runner-up speech.
"The past couple months have truly been amazing and you totally deserve it," Gauff told her 21-year-old opponent.
"Hopefully we can play each other in more finals, and maybe I can get a win on you one of these days!"
Gauff remained teary during her post match press conference and admitted she was "trying really hard not to break" in the aftermath of her defeat.
“I think for me I just don’t know how to handle the emotions right now. So the tears just come,” she said.
“I try really hard not to cry on the court, and I knew whether I won or lost I was. But really, I feel happy really and sad, so it’s like, I don’t know how to handle it.
"I hate myself for crying. I have to get drug tested and I told the lady, ‘Do I look like I’ve been crying for so long?’ I don’t know whether to smile or cry.
“I think for me it’s just how I respond to everything going on. Because I think for right now, like emotionally, it’s just a lot for me to handle and I’m like trying really hard not to break.”
with agencies
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