Coco Gauff upset in third round as French Open defense falls short

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PARIS — Coco Gauff’s French Open title defense ended in the third round after losing to Anastasia Potapova 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Saturday.

In the 30th-ranked Potapova, Gauff met an opponent who could match her court coverage in long baseline rallies.

The match was played before mostly empty stands inside Court Philippe-Chatrier as French fans stayed away to watch the Champions League soccer final.


 Coco Gauff of United States in action against Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their Women's Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026.
Coco Gauff of the United States in action against Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their Women’s Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images

Anastasia Potapova of Austria celebrates after a point during the match against Coco Gauff of United States in the Women's Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026.
Anastasia Potapova of Austria celebrates after a point during the match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the Women’s Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images

Gauff’s second Grand Slam title came with a victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the final a year ago.

Potapova, who was born in Russia but now represents Austria, improved to 3-2 in her career against Gauff. She is having quite a clay season after reaching a final in Linz, Austria, and the semifinals of the Madrid Open as a qualifier.

The fourth-ranked Gauff was coming off a run to the Italian Open final.

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