‘Treated Me Like I Was a Cheater’ – Discerning Scenes as Coco Gauff’s 35-Year-Old US Open Opponent Breaks Down in Tears After Insulting Gesture From the Arthur Ashe Crowd

The 2023 US Open is off to an eventful start. Top tennis stars have made it to New York for an exciting two weeks of action. The opening day of the tournament saw some big upsets as the likes of Holger Rune and Maria Sakkari bowed out of the tournament. However, top American stars made a bright start to their home Grand Slam event. Amongst them was 19-year-old Coco Gauff, who is seeded sixth at the tournament. She defeated the veteran player, Laura Siegemund, to proceed to the second round. However, after their match, concerning scenes emerged, involving the German tennis star.

The match went right to the distance as Siegemund gave it all. Despite the crowd being against her, she stretched Gauff to three sets before eventually bowing out of the tournament. Here’s what happened after the match.

Laura Siegemund moved to tears after facing Coco Gauff

During the post-match press conference after her first-round defeat, the 35-year-old talked about how the crowd disappointed her at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. A vocal crowd, while cheering for Gauff and made unruly gestures towards Siegemund whenever she won big points.

Talking about it, Siegemund said, “They treated me like I was a bad person. Would I enjoy it more if you played a great shot and the people would scream and give you the respect you deserve for your performance in that moment? Yes, you enjoy it more… I think it’s the first time I’m crying in a press conference.”

Further, she went on to add, “They treated me like I was a cheater, like I was like trying, you know, sneaky ways to win this match or something. They treated me like I was a bad person.”

Meanwhile, Gauff is looking good despite a rusty start to her campaign. However, her next opponent in round 2 could be one of her toughest test.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Everybody Needs a Break..’ – 21-Year-Old Rising American Star’s Shocking Tennis Decision Met With Unexpected Empathy From Compatriot Coco Gauff

Gauff’s path ahead

The 19-year-old is one of the top American prospects to win the US Open this year. After a hard-fought win against Siegemund, Gauff will face the challenge of Mirra Andreeva of Russia. In their only previous match head-to-head, Gauff prevailed in three sets at this year’s French Open.

With Serena Williams retiring last year, it is up to Gauff to carry American hopes at her home Grand Slam tournament. It remains to be seen how she handles the pressure of playing in front of thousands of supporters cheering for her.

WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer.