French Open: Defending champion Gauff falls in third round, stunningly beaten by Potapova

The French Open witnessed another major upset as defending champion Coco Gauff crashed out in the third round. The American, seeded fourth, suffered a dramatic three-set defeat to unseeded Anastasia Potapova, losing 6-4, 6-7 (1-7), 4-6 after a grueling 2-hour and 37-minute battle.

Gauff, 22, was aiming to win back-to-back Roland Garros titles, but her campaign was halted by the resilient Potapova. The Russian, who has switched nationality, proved a stern test from the baseline. Potapova secured the victory with 29 winners, 16 of which came off her forehand, marking her second appearance in a Grand Slam round of 16.

Potapova, 25, is in strong form and will now compete for a spot in the quarterfinals against fellow Russian Anna Kalinskaya. For Gauff, this early exit represents her worst Grand Slam performance since her second-round exit at the French Open in 2020, cutting short her title defense prematurely.