Coco Gauff's reign in Paris has come to a shocking end. The defending champion was knocked out in the third round by 28th seed Anastasia Potapova in a dramatic three-set battle, 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4, that lasted two hours and 39 minutes on Saturday.
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Gauff appeared in control after claiming the opening set 6-4. But Potapova refused to fold, raising her level dramatically in the second-set tiebreak, which she dominated 7-1. That swing in momentum proved decisive.
In the third set, the Russian maintained her newfound authority. Gauff, visibly frustrated, admitted afterward that she "didn't play the way I wanted to" during the critical moments. The world No. 4 never managed to impose her power when it mattered most.
For Potapova, this result transforms her tournament trajectory. The 28th seed will now face 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya for a place in the quarterfinals, uncharted territory for her at Roland-Garros.
Combined with Iga Swiatek's defeat to Kostyuk, this elimination completely reshuffles the women's draw. Roland-Garros 2026 is shaping up to be the most open edition in years.
