An unexpected car mishap did not deter Coco Gauff from starting her title defense at the French Open. However, Anastasia Potapova ended Gauff’s run in a challenging match during the third round. Potapova claimed a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 victory, demonstrating strong court coverage.
“She was able to finish the points and I wasn’t,” Gauff remarked, expressing her challenge in capitalizing on key shots.
The match took place in an almost empty Court Philippe-Chatrier, as many fans opted to watch the Champions League soccer final. Gauff’s previous Grand Slam triumph came against top seed Aryna Sabalenka last year in Roland Garros.
Before her opening victory over Taylor Townsend, Gauff was in a minor car accident en route to the tournament grounds. Unharmed, she noted the car could not continue. Potapova, ranked 30th and representing Austria, improved to a 3-2 record against Gauff. Potapova’s season has been notable with her reaching the finals in Linz and the semifinals in Madrid.
Gauff entered the tournament after reaching the Italian Open final, where she lost to Elina Svitolina. This Paris loss mirrored her Rome defeat, leaving Gauff reflecting on back-to-back similar outcomes.
Describing the defeat, Gauff said, “I lost the same way in Rome as I did here.”
The match concluded when Gauff missed a forehand, and Potapova celebrated by falling to the court in joy. Gauff, respected by her opponent, quickly exited after the game.
Potapova remarked, “Coco is such a champion. I respect her so much.”
Potapova controlled the match by dictating lengthy rallies, despite hitting more unforced errors than Gauff.
In another highlight, Naomi Osaka defeated Iva Jovic in a grueling 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4 match. This match marked Osaka’s 100th Grand Slam appearance. Osaka wore an intricate outfit, featuring a metallic gold bomber jacket, emphasizing her unique style.
Osaka commented, “For me, it would be weirder to wear a normal tennis kit, almost, at this point.”
Planning her outfits over a year in advance, Osaka enjoys making unique fashion statements on the court.
The French Open experienced a hot and humid week with temperatures peaking at 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit). Cooler weather is anticipated as the second week begins.
In men’s matches, Alejandro Tabilo advanced past Moise Kouame in four sets, while Felix Auger-Aliassime, the highest-seeded player left, beat Brandon Nakashima. Juan Manuel Cerundolo continued his momentum, overcoming Martin Landaluce in nearly six hours.
Flavio Cobolli advanced to face Zachary Svajda next after defeating Learner Tien. Frances Tiafoe also emerged victorious against Jaime Faria, setting up his next challenge against Matteo Arnaldi.