Coco Gauff encountered a formidable opponent at the French Open. Anastasia Potapova matched Gauff’s tenacity in lengthy baseline rallies and ended Gauff’s title defense in the third round. Potapova won 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4. After the match, Potapova praised Gauff as a champion and expressed pride in her own perseverance. The match took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier to mostly empty seats as local fans opted to watch the Champions League final.
Last year, Gauff claimed her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. Potapova, ranked 30th and representing Austria after being born in Russia, now holds a 3-2 career record against Gauff. Potapova has shown strong performances on clay courts, reaching the Linz final and semifinals in Madrid. Gauff, ranked fourth, was recently runner-up at the Italian Open final.
During the match, Potapova’s first match point came when Gauff’s forehand went wide. Potapova celebrated by falling on her back and raising her feet in joy. Gauff waved to the spectators and left the court quickly. Errors were not Gauff’s main issue; she recorded eight double-faults compared to Potapova’s three and had 46 unforced errors to Potapova’s 56. Potapova excelled in longer rallies, outpacing Gauff who covered 2,309 meters compared to Potapova’s 2,090.
Osaka’s Fashion Statement
Naomi Osaka secured a hard-fought win against 18-year-old Iva Jovic, with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4 in her 100th Grand Slam match. Osaka will face Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. Sabalenka defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 7-5. Osaka arrived wearing a metallic gold bomber jacket and sequined gold dress, complemented by a tannish-gold train on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Her previous outfit featured a ceremonial black skirt with a beaded top.
Regarding her fashion choices, Osaka expressed her preference for standout outfits over standard kits, aiming to have fun after experiencing anxiety and depression leading to her withdrawal from the 2021 French Open. Her outfits are designed 18 months in advance and involve numerous fittings due to potential changes in weight and fabric.
Weather Conditions and Other Matches
The tournament experienced its seventh consecutive day of hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F). Relief is expected for Sunday and the following week. During Osaka’s match, a spectator experienced a health issue and was carried out on a stretcher.
In other matches, Diane Parry of France defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3). Diana Shnaider beat Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5, 6-1 amidst controversy over social media interactions related to the war between Russia and Ukraine. In men’s play, Alejandro Tabilo overcame Moise Kouame, while Matteo Berrettini triumphed over Francisco Comesana in a lengthy five-hour match. Flavio Cobolli advanced past Learner Tien, setting up a meeting with Zachary Svajda, who defeated Francisco Cerundolo. Felix Auger-Aliassime, the highest-seeded player in the top half of the draw following Jannik Sinner’s earlier defeat, was set to face Brandon Nakashima.
Organizers adjusted the positioning of advertising boards after safety concerns. This change occurred after an incident where Zeynep Sönmez had to withdraw from a doubles match due to an injury caused by an advertising board.