Coco Gauff’s Tearful Moment At The Olympics Is Part Of A Much Bigger Issue

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It’s been two weeks, but we’re back with this week’s Culture Catchall. Summertime meant I had to travel and take a few trips. One place I wish I’d visited is Paris, where the Olympic Games are making waves with exciting firsts, stunning fashions and impressive athletes. Celebrities like Queen Latifah, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Snoop Dogg and Beyoncé, who surprised everyone with her welcome video for Team USA, are also making their mark.

While some are enjoying the festivities, it hasn’t been all smiles for Coco Gauff. During her third-round singles match against Croatian athlete Donna Vekić, Gauff got into a heated argument with umpire Jaume Campistol. After a controversial call by a linesperson, Campistol awarded the point to Vekić, causing Gauff to break down in tears.

“I never argue these calls. But he called it out before I hit the ball,” Gauff protested. After her loss, she spoke about always having to advocate for herself on the court, expressing her frustration with the recurring issues she’s faced this year.

“I felt that he called it before I hit, and I don’t think the ref disagreed. I think he just thought it didn’t affect my swing, which I felt like it did. Usually, afterwards they apologize. It’s kind of frustrating when the sorry doesn’t help you once the match is over.”

Several people on social media pointed out the unfair call — and highlighted how Black women are often treated differently than their white counterparts on the tennis court.

Gauff spoke to The Associated Press post-game about the incident.

“There’s been multiple times this year where that’s