Defending French Open champion Coco Gauff was eliminated in three sets by Austrian Anastasia Potapova, ending her title defense at Roland Garros on Saturday.
The fourth seed lost in the third round with scores of 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 to the 28th seed, despite having a break lead in the final set.
“I think I’ve had a few (big wins) before, but I’d put it top three for sure,” Potapova stated on the court after achieving her third career victory over Gauff.
Although Gauff lost her first service game at the start of the match, she quickly retaliated by breaking the Russian-born Austrian in the eighth and tenth games to take the lead.
Potapova countered with two consecutive breaks, jumping to a 3-0 lead at the beginning of the second set.
She struggled with her serve, as the next five games all resulted in breaks, with Potapova missing two set points while serving.
Gauff took advantage of that opportunity by securing her first hold of the set, forcing Potapova to serve again to try to win the frame.
Potapova claims victory against reigning champion Gauff
It is important to note that the two-time major champion broke the world number 30 to equalise at 5-5 before holding her serve again.
However, Potapova regained her serve to push the match into a tie-break.
A double fault in the following game gave Gauff two break-back points, but Potapova’s determined play allowed her to hold.
Later on, a powerful backhand winner down the line and a mis-hit forehand from Gauff at deuce put Potapova ahead 5-4, with the world number four serving to stay in the match.
But from a 30-0 lead, Gauff quickly fell apart, and Potapova celebrated by falling on her back as Gauff’s return went long, ending her tournament.
Read more: Iva Jovic defeats Alex Eala to advance at French Open 2026
