"I let my emotions take over" - Gauff on throwing her racket and almost hitting a kid during US Open doubles final

Coco Gauff and Caty McNally reached their first Grand Slam doubles final on Sunday at the 2021 US Open, but fell in an entertaining three-set match to Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai.

The American duo had several opportunities to grab the lead, but were unable to overcome the experience of their veteran opponents. This led to the youngsters becoming exasperated, with Gauff in particular throwing her racket in frustration, which almost hit a kid in the stands.

After the match, Gauff explained her actions and stated that although she was sorry the racket almost hit the kid, she did not regret throwing it as she was caught in the moment.

"I mean, I lost a Grand Slam final. There's nothing else to say," stated Gauff. "Just disappointment. I didn't mean for the racquet to go as it did, but I did throw it. Probably not the best behavior on my side, But I don't think there's any explanation I can do for the frustration.

"I mean, we had our chances. I knew that. I think the crowd knew that. Yeah, I don't mean to do that in the moment, but I let my emotions take over. I kind of don't regret it. I only regret the racquet went so far and almost hit the kid."

The 17-year old revealed that she later spoke with the kid, gifting him the racket as a souvenir.

"He was fine. I gave it to him," added Gauff. "I actually spoke to him before the match, and he's fine. Yeah, I think I was just frustrated for losing a Grand Slam final."