Defending champion Coco Gauff crashed out of the French Open on Saturday as Anastasia Potapova battled back from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 in the third round at Roland Garros.

Fifty-one weeks after lifting Suzanne Lenglen on the Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff walked off the same court with her title defence. Potapova, who had enjoyed a resurgence during the clay-court season, produced a composed performance in the decisive moments to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Gauff appeared on course for a spot in the second week after recovering from an early loss in the opening set. After trailing 2-4, the American rallied from four consecutive games to win the set and take control of the contest.

The momentum changed dramatically in the second set. Potapova raced to a 5–1 lead and had two chances to serve out the set, only for Gauff to pull off another comeback by winning five consecutive games. With Potapova serving at 5–6, Gauff moved to within two points of victory, but the Austrian dominated the tiebreak 7–1 as the defending champion was finding errors in her game.

Gauff regained her composure early in the deciding set and took a 3–1 lead, while Potapova appeared to be physically weakening. Yet the 24-year-old once again held deep and clawed her way back into the match, while Gauff struggled to convert her lead into a winning position.

The decisive blow came from Gauff’s serve at 4-5 in the final set. A double fault and an ill-judged drop shot gave Potapova a chance for match point, and moments later Gauff sent a forehand into the stands, ending her bid for a second consecutive French Open title.

The defeat ended a mixed clay-court campaign for Gauff, who battled illness and an early exit in Madrid before finishing runner-up in Rome. Meanwhile, Potapova continued her stellar performance and booked her place in the fourth round.

Perry surprises Anisimova

While Gauff’s exit left the Paris crowd stunned, home favorite Diane Perry ensured there was still plenty to cheer about at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The 23-year-old became the last Frenchwoman left in the women’s singles draw after beating sixth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(3) to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

Perry, ranked 92nd in the world, overcame a slow start in the opening set by winning five consecutive games to overcome the 1-3 deficit. Anisimova, a two-time Grand Slam finalist and former Roland Garros semi-finalist in 2025, responded by winning the second set to take the decider.

The final set proved to be tense. Perry led 4–3 but Anisimova quickly fought back and produced a dramatic finish. With the home crowd roaring, the Frenchwoman raised her level in the tiebreak, quickly regaining control and sealing victory on her first match point after two hours and 44 minutes.

As chants echoed around Philippe-Chatrier and supporters waved flags in celebration, Parry soaked in the moment. For the first time in her career, she reached the second week of a Grand Slam, giving the host nation a player to rally around after another eventful day at Roland Garros.

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