Defending Champion Gauff exits French Open in third round

Coco Gauff of the US serves against Romania's Sorana Cirstea during their women's singles match on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. Photo: AFP

Defending champion Coco Gauff has been knocked out of the French Open after suffering a 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 defeat to Anastasia Potapova in a dramatic third-round encounter at Roland Garros. The American fourth seed appeared on course for victory after taking the opening set, but Potapova produced a resilient comeback to claim one of the biggest wins of her career and reach the fourth round of the tournament for the first time. As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, the match featured several momentum swings, with both players engaging in long, physical rallies. Potapova’s defensive skills repeatedly frustrated Gauff, helping the Austrian battle back after falling behind. The victory continues a series of major upsets at this year’s tournament, with Gauff joining Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic among the high-profile names eliminated before the second week. After the match, Potapova admitted the contest had taken a physical toll. “I’m cramping a little bit but it’s OK, it’s all good. I don’t have any words now, I’m extremely happy,” she said. Related News Azeez dreams of Premier League chance (UPDATED): PSG beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties UCL: First half in pictures as Havertz give Arsenal early lead against PSG in Budapest “The fight we could show, both of us – Coco is such a champion and I respect her so much. “I’m unbelievably proud of myself that I stayed there, that I was fighting until the last point.” Potapova, 25, was seen clutching her shoulder after the match following several bruising exchanges but showed no signs of slowing down as she celebrated the milestone victory. She will now face 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya in the last 16 after the Russian defeated Camila Osorio 6-3, 0-6, 6-2. Earlier on Saturday, another seeded player exited the competition as sixth seed Amanda Anisimova was beaten by France’s Diane Parry. Gauff arrived in Paris as the defending champion after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final. However, the 22-year-old had struggled to replicate that form in 2026, having failed to win a title before the start of the tournament. This version is ready for publication or adaptation for a sports news report. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is