Coco Gauff out at Miami Open, tournament director smooths things over after Casper Ruud rant

The Miami Open will go on without South Florida fan favorite Coco Gauff. The third-ranked American was eliminated 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 by No. 23 Caroline Garcia of France late Monday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.

Garcia had won their previous two matches in 2022 but had lost seven matches in a row to Top 10 players before Monday.

“It’s been a while, but I tried to stay positive,” Garcia said on center court after the win. “We had some very close games, she started playing stronger and faster, but I just tried to manage the match and I am very happy to be in the quarterfinals.”

Gauff knew going in that she is in for a tough matchup against Garcia.

“With Caroline, she is always a tough player to play, she takes the ball super early, plays very aggressive,” Gauff said Sunday. “I think the most recent time we played with the U.S. Open two years ago, maybe sooner. I think I lost to her the most recent time.”

Garcia beat Gauff twice at the end of the 2022 season, both times in straight sets. She won 6-3, 6-4 at the U.S. Open and 6-4, 6-3 at the WTA Finals. This will be Garcia’s first time in the Miami Open quarterfinals. She defeated Naomi Osaka in the previous round.