French Open champion Gauff knocked out as Potapova storms into fourth round

PARIS: Defending champion Coco Gauff crashed out of the French Open after suffering a three-set defeat to Anastasia Potapova in the third round on Saturday.

The Austrian battled back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 victory in two hours and 37 minutes, reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros and keeping alive her hopes for a maiden Grand Slam title.

Gauff’s exit adds to a growing list of high-profile casualties at this year’s tournament, following the departures of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from the men’s draw.

Potapova delivered an aggressive performance from the baseline and made a strong start, breaking Gauff in the opening game before taking a 4-2 lead in the first set. However, the American responded by winning four of the next five games to claim the opener.

The momentum shifted in the second set as Potapova capitalised on Gauff’s inconsistent serving to race into a double-break lead. Although the world number four fought back from 2-5 down to move ahead, Potapova regained control and dominated the tiebreak to level the contest.

The decisive set remained closely contested, with both players exchanging breaks. Potapova eventually seized control in the latter stages, breaking Gauff’s resistance and sealing one of the biggest victories of her career.

“I’m extremely happy. I don’t have any words right now,” Potapova said after the match.
“The fight we could show, both of us… Coco is such a champion and I respect her so much. I’m unbelievably proud that I stayed there and kept fighting until the last point.”

Ranked 30th in the world, Potapova described the victory as one of the top three wins of her career.

The result leaves four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek and world number one Aryna Sabalenka among the leading contenders for the title, while Potapova has emerged as a potential dark horse in the women’s draw.

Potapova will next face 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya for a place in the quarter-finals.