French Open: Coco Gauff praised for ‘respectful’ response to coaching violation

Coco Gauff breezed through her opening match at this year’s French Open, yet it was her reaction to receiving a coaching violation that has got fans talking. 

Gauff defeated Rebecca Marino in straight sets 7-5 6-0, but received a warning from umpire Marijana Veljovic during the second set after it appeared as though Gauff’s father was signalling to her. 

The 18-year-old was perplexed by the ruling and attempted to explain to the umpire that her father was merely cheering for her. 

In an attempt to understand the umpire’s warning, Gauff spoke with Veljovic during a changeover and stressed that this was the first time she’d ever been warned for a coaching violation. The teenager also clarified that she specifically tells her father not to speak during matches to avoid any confusion. 

“I just want to let you know, that this is the first time a ref has told me this. Even after the match, I tell my dad, ‘don’t say anything.’ That’s why I’m shocked because I literally tell him, ‘I just want you to clap, don’t say anything to me.’” 

Coco Gauff to Marijana Veljovic on her coaching warning:'I literally tell him since I was 8 years old, don’t talk to me in the match. I know you're not accusing me of anything, I'm just letting you know that it's the first time a ref has said this to me’ pic.twitter.com/1XsUhGIsJY

Veljovic emphasised that she wasn’t accusing Gauff of anything, but merely pointing out that her father was gesturing with his hands. This prompted the American to re-emphasise that she’s never been accused of receiving coaching in the past. 

“I know what you’re saying. I know you’re not accusing me of anything, I’m just letting you know it’s the first time a ref has said this to me.” 

Many fans were quick to praise the