Coco Gauff stunned by Donna Vekic in dramatic singles clash at Paris 2024 Olympics

Tennis

Gauff looked to be cruising to victory but suffered a disappointing defeat

PARIS It wasn't supposed to be this way. But as it began to cook at Roland-Garros, Coco Gauff looked to be cruising against Donna Vekić in her third-round singles match at the Paris Olympics.

Then all of a sudden she wasn't.

The 18-year-old American, seeded 11th, was a heavy favorite against the 26-year-old Croatian, who is ranked 96th in the world.

But Vekić produced a stunning performance to win 6-7 (5) 2-6 in one hour and 47 minutes.

Gauff had won the first set in a tiebreak, but Vekić broke her serve twice in the second set to take control of the match.

The American had a chance to break back in the seventh game of the second set, but Vekić saved three break points to hold serve.

Vekić then broke Gauff's serve again in the ninth game to seal the victory.

The defeat is a major disappointment for Gauff, who was one of the favorites to win the gold medal in Paris.

It is also a big upset for Vekić, who has never beaten a top-20 player before.

Vekić will now face either No. 2 seed Ons Jabeur or No. 15 seed Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals.