Coco Gauff couldn’t help but cry tears of sadness after her dreams of becoming a teenage grand slam champion were ruined by a rampaging Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek extended her unbeaten streak to 35 matches on Saturday after beating Gauff 6-1 6-3 in the French Open final
The 18-year-old Gauff was no match for the World No.1 on Saturday, but could hold her head high after a remarkable run into the Roland Garros final.
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!”
The 18-year-old once again broke down in tears during her press conference as she reflected on what could have been.
“I feel like, throughout my career, and even in juniors, the reason I had success so early is that I was able to see that level and then go back and practice and try to reach that level,” she said.
“Now that I have seen the level – this level of No.1 and 35 matches (won in a row by Swiatek), I know what I have to do.
“I’m sure I’m going to play her in another final and, hopefully, it’s a different result.”
Fans and commentators were left gutted for Gauff but predicted big things for her future.
