COCO Gauff has shockingly halted her Italian Open clash against Sorana Cirstea.
The 22-year-old tennis star responded to a fan suffering a medical emergency.
Gauff called for a break as a fan appeared unwell during her Italian Open semifinal against Cirstea, 36, on Thursday.
A fan had collapsed in the stands.
American Gauff called attention to chair umpire Marija Cicak, 47, who called for doctors.
“This is Marija from Center Court. It’s upper level on the right side, we need a doctor,” Cicak said as play was stopped.
Gauff was leading by a set and a break at the time of the stoppage.
Her reaction follows Gauff vomiting on the court at the Madrid Open last month.
Play was then stopped for several minutes as the fan was treated by medics.
World number four Gauff has made a strong start to the year as she reached the Miami Open final in March.
She also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and led Team USA to the semifinals of the United Cup.
However, Gauff has threatened to boycott the French Open following calls to increase the $72m prize pot.
The break did not appear to throw the American as she claimed a 6-4, 6-3 win against Cirstea to reach the final.
This marks Gauff’s first Italian Open final appearance after reaching the semifinals in 2021 and 2024.
Gauff had also partnered with Caty McNally, 24, for the Italian Open’s doubles tournament.
They reached the quarterfinals before giving a walkover to Cristina Bucşa, 28, and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, 32.
The 2026 Italian Open women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Gauff is set to face either Elina Svitolina, 31, or Iga Swiatek, 24, for the title.
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