Rafael Nadal’s shocking first-round exit at the French Open was hard on Coco Gauff. Seeing The “King of Clay,” potentially bid goodbye to Roland Garros was a heartbreaking sight for the American. Despite holding the record for most titles at the event and returning from injury, he wasn’t given a seeded position, a tradition that has ignited controversy. First John McEnroe and now Gauff’s coach have spoken out suggesting this tradition-bound approach might have put Nadal at a disadvantage. Coco Gauff thinks clinging to the established order cost Nadal a shot at another French Open title. Many believe that with this being Nadal’s possible swansong at the Roland Garros, an unseeded opponent up first may have helped him to go further.
