Shocking Turn at Rome Open: Coco Gauff Leaves Court Immediately With Her Mother, Sparking Fan Concern.NN
In a shocking turn of events at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, teenage tennis sensation Coco Gauff was abruptly forced to abandon her match, rushing off the court in distress alongside her mother, Candi Gauff. The incident, which unfolded just minutes ago during her quarterfinal clash against world No. 5 Ons Jabeur, has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, prompting an urgent health update from the 21-year-old American star.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene on the sun-baked clay courts of the Foro Italico as Gauff, leading 4-3 in the first set, suddenly clutched her chest and signaled for medical attention. Her mother, a constant pillar of support in the player’s box, leaped from her seat and joined her daughter courtside, where officials quickly halted play. Paramedics attended to both, and after a brief but frantic consultation, Gauff was escorted off the court on a stretcher, her mother holding her hand tightly. The match was officially awarded to Jabeur by walkover, marking a heartbreaking end to what was shaping up to be a thrilling encounter.
Gauff, who has been dominating the tour this season with back-to-back titles in Beijing and Wuhan, took to social media moments after the incident to issue a raw, emotional update. “Hey everyone, I’m okay – scared me more than anything,” she wrote on Instagram, her post already garnering millions of views. “Mid-match, I felt this sharp pain in my chest, like my heart was racing out of control. Mom was right there, and she knew something was wrong immediately. We got checked out at the hospital, and it’s just a severe anxiety attack triggered by the heat and pressure. Nothing life-threatening, thank God. I’m resting now with my family, and we’ll be back stronger. Love to all my fans – your support means everything. #StayStrong #RomeOpen”
The Gauff family’s close-knit dynamic has long been a cornerstone of Coco’s meteoric rise, from her breakout run at Wimbledon in 2019 to her U.S. Open triumph in 2023. Candi Gauff, a former track athlete herself, has been instrumental in her daughter’s career, often credited with instilling the mental toughness that has made Coco a force at just 21. Sources close to the family revealed that Candi’s quick thinking – recognizing the symptoms from past experiences – likely prevented a more serious escalation. “Candi is Coco’s rock,” one insider told reporters outside the medical tent. “She saw the signs and didn’t hesitate. It’s why they’re heading home together tonight.”
The Rome Open organizers expressed their full support, issuing a statement: “Our thoughts are with Coco Gauff and her family during this difficult moment. Player well-being is our top priority, and we wish her a swift recovery. The tournament continues, but today’s events remind us of the human side of our sport.”
This isn’t the first time Gauff has spoken openly about the mental toll of professional tennis. In a post-match interview at the French Open earlier this year, she admitted, “The pressure can build up like a storm sometimes. You push through for the win, but your body has ways of saying ‘enough.'” Experts speculate that the combination of Rome’s sweltering 85°F temperatures, the high-stakes atmosphere, and Gauff’s packed schedule may have contributed to the episode.
As fans flood social media with messages of encouragement – from Billie Jean King tweeting “Take care of yourself first, kiddo” to Naomi Osaka sharing a personal story of similar struggles – Gauff’s resilience shines through. With the French Open looming in May, her team has confirmed she’ll skip the remainder of the clay season to focus on recovery and mental health. “Family first,” Candi posted simply, alongside a photo of the duo back at their hotel, hands intertwined.
Coco Gauff’s story is a poignant reminder that behind every champion is a support system unbreakable as their will to win. As she fights her way back, the tennis world holds its breath – not just for her return to the court, but for the young star who dares to be vulnerably human in a sport that demands perfection. Updates to follow as more details emerge.
