French Open: Gauff’s Title Defense Ends, Osaka’s Fashion Shines, Heat Subsides

Coco Gauff’s French Open title defense ended in the third round. Anastasia Potapova beat her 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4. Potapova managed to outplay Gauff in vigorous baseline rallies. ‘She was able to finish the points and I wasn’t,’ Gauff commented.

The match occurred on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Few filled the stands, as fans watched the Champions League soccer final elsewhere. Gauff won her second Grand Slam title against Aryna Sabalenka last year at Roland Garros.

Before Gauff’s victory over Taylor Townsend, an accident left her car undriveable, though she wasn’t hurt. Potapova, from Russia but representing Austria, has been strong this clay season. She reached the final in Linz, Austria, and semifinals at the Madrid Open.

Gauff recently lost in the Italian Open final to Elina Svitolina. Gauff noted a pattern in losses. Potapova celebrated by falling on her back after match point, saying, ‘Coco is such a champion. I respect her.’

Unforced errors plagued both: Gauff had 46, Potapova 56. Despite Gauff running more yardage on court, Potapova’s control in long rallies decided the match.

Naomi Osaka’s fashion choices shined brightly. She bested Iva Jovic in a three-hour match, setting a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka. Her outfit featured a metallic bomber jacket and a train touching Court Suzanne-Lenglen’s clay. ‘It’s a surprise every time,’ Osaka mentioned, associating fashion with her recovery from anxiety and depression.

The tournament’s heat wave subsided after seven hot days, with temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F). This relief came as players advanced further in the tournament.

Alejandro Tabilo triumphed over Moise Kouame with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (9) win and will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Brandon Nakashima. Auger-Aliassime became the highest-seeded player left in the top half after Jannik Sinner’s loss.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo celebrated a lengthy victory over Martin Landaluce, lasting 5 hours, 58 minutes. His next challenge is against Matteo Berrettini, who endured 5 hours, 13 minutes in a win over Francisco Comesana.

Flavio Cobolli defeated Learner Tien and will face Zachary Svajda. Frances Tiafoe came back from a deficit to overcome Portuguese Jaime Faria in five sets, heading to a duel with Matteo Arnaldi.

Reported by AP Sports Writer Jerome Pugmire.
Additional information can be found at AP tennis.