Gareth Curtis

Gauff after Paris loss: "Didn't play the way I wanted to" in key moments

Coco Gauff reflected honestly on her disappointing exit from Roland Garros, admitting she "didn't play the way I wanted to" during the key moments of her third-round loss in Paris. The defending champion was eliminated by Anastasia Potapova in a tense three-set thriller, bringing an early end to her title defense on the clay courts of the French Open.In her post-match press conference, Gauff was straightforward about her performance. She acknowledged that while she fought hard and showed flashes of good tennis, she failed to execute her game plan effectively when it mattered most. “I didn’t play the way I wanted to in key moments,” Gauff said. “There were opportunities I didn’t take, and she played really well. I have to give her credit.”The American star, who won the title last year, looked disappointed but composed as she analyzed the match. She highlighted issues with her timing on returns and occasional lapses in concentration during crucial points in the second and third sets. Despite the loss in Paris, Gauff emphasized that she learned valuable lessons and remains focused on the rest of the season.This defeat marks Gauff’s earliest exit at Roland Garros since her breakthrough years. The 22-year-old had entered the tournament as one of the top favorites but struggled to find her best form on the clay this year. Her honest self-assessment after the Paris loss reflects her maturity and high standards.

Best of Roland Garros Round 3: Fireworks on and off the court cap a wild two days

The third round of Roland Garros delivered high drama both on and off the court, producing one of the most entertaining stretches of the 2026 French Open. Over two wild days, upsets, marathon matches, and passionate crowd moments created fireworks that kept fans glued to the action at the iconic clay venue.On the court, defending champion Coco Gauff was dethroned in a thrilling three-set battle by Anastasia Potapova. The Russian produced a career-best performance to end Gauff’s title defense. Madison Keys avenged an earlier loss by outlasting Victoria Mboko in a marathon three-setter, while several other seeded players were pushed to the limit in lengthy contests that showcased the physical and mental demands of clay-court tennis.Off the court, the drama was equally intense. Heated exchanges between players and umpires, passionate fan chants, and viral moments between matches added extra spice to the proceedings. The atmosphere inside Philippe-Chatrier and the outer courts was electric, with the Parisian crowd fully invested in every point.The wild two days also featured impressive breakthroughs from rising talents and resilient comeback victories that highlighted the depth of the 2026 draw. As the tournament moves into the second week, the third round will be remembered for its unpredictability and pure entertainment value.

Potapova dethrones Gauff in Roland Garros third-round thriller

Anastasia Potapova pulled off a stunning upset by dethroning defending champion Coco Gauff in a high-intensity Roland Garros third-round thriller on Saturday. The Russian player defeated the American third seed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 51 minutes of gripping clay-court tennis that kept spectators on the edge of their seats at Court Philippe-Chatrier.Gauff, the 2025 French Open champion, came into the match as a heavy favorite but struggled to find her rhythm against Potapova’s aggressive baseline game and fearless shot-making. The 24-year-old Russian, who has often flown under the radar, produced one of the best performances of her career, mixing powerful winners with clever tactical changes to keep the top American off balance.The match featured multiple momentum swings typical of a true Roland Garros thriller. Gauff rallied strongly to take the second set and appeared to be seizing control, but Potapova responded with remarkable composure in the decider. She broke Gauff at 4-4 in the final set and held her nerve to serve out the biggest win of her career.Potapova, who reached the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, was emotional after the victory. “This is why I play tennis — for moments like this,” she said in her on-court interview. “Beating a champion like Coco on this stage feels incredible.”

Keys avenges Mboko in marathon three-setter at Roland Garros third round

Madison Keys avenged an earlier loss to rising star Victoria Mboko with a hard-fought victory in a marathon three-setter during the third round at Roland Garros. The American No. 6 seed battled back from a set down to defeat the talented Canadian 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in two hours and 48 minutes on Court Suzanne Lenglen.Keys looked shaky early as Mboko’s powerful baseline game and fearless shot-making put the veteran under pressure. The 20-year-old Canadian, who had beaten Keys earlier this clay season, appeared poised to pull off another upset. However, the experienced American gradually found her rhythm, using her heavy groundstrokes and improved movement to turn the match around.The second set saw Keys raise her level, breaking Mboko at crucial moments to level the match. The decider turned into a true test of endurance and mental strength. Both players traded breaks in a tense battle, but Keys’ greater Grand Slam experience proved decisive. She saved multiple break points in a marathon final set and converted her third match point to advance to the fourth round.“It was a really tough match. Mboko is such a strong player,” Keys said after the match. “I had to fight for every point out there.”The win marks a significant confidence boost for Keys, who has now reached the second week at Roland Garros. Mboko, despite the loss, showed why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis.

Martina Navratilova hits out at Roland Garros after ‘dangerous’ incidents at this year’s tournament

Martina Navratilova has strongly criticized Roland Garros organizers after a series of ‘dangerous’ incidents marred this year’s tournament. The tennis legend voiced serious concerns over player safety following multiple worrying events on the clay courts of the French Open.Navratilova highlighted several alarming moments, including dangerous slips on the surface, a spectator incident, and inadequate medical response times during high-stakes matches. The 18-time Grand Slam champion described the conditions and handling of these events as unacceptable for a major championship, stating that player welfare must be the top priority.“These dangerous incidents should not be happening at this level,” Navratilova said. She called on Roland Garros to urgently review court maintenance, scheduling, and safety protocols to prevent future risks. Her comments have sparked widespread discussion among players, fans, and pundits about the conditions at the Parisian Grand Slam.This year’s tournament has already seen several high-profile players affected by injuries and disruptions, raising questions about preparation and risk management. Navratilova’s public criticism carries significant weight given her status as one of the sport’s most respected voices.Organizers have yet to issue a detailed response, but pressure is mounting for improvements ahead of the later stages of the competition. Martina Navratilova’s intervention underscores growing frustration with safety standards at one of tennis’s biggest events.

Joao Fonseca names who he thinks is the greatest tennis player of all time after beating Novak Djokovic

Joao Fonseca has named his choice for the greatest tennis player of all time following his stunning upset victory over Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros.The 19-year-old Brazilian, in his breakout Grand Slam performance, defeated the 24-time major champion in straight sets. After the match, Fonseca was asked who he considers the GOAT and did not hesitate in his answer. He declared Roger Federer as the greatest tennis player of all time, citing the Swiss maestro’s elegance, complete game, and unmatched grace under pressure.“I have huge respect for Novak Djokovic — he is a legend and beating him today is a dream,” Fonseca said. “But if I have to pick the greatest tennis player of all time, for me it’s Roger Federer. His style, his class, everything he did for our sport… he is the one.”The young star’s comments have drawn significant attention, with many praising his respect toward both Djokovic and Federer after such a massive win. Fonseca emphasized that his victory over Djokovic does not change his long-held view on the greatest tennis player of all time, while acknowledging the Serb’s incredible achievements and influence on the current generation.The moment adds a classy touch to one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, as Fonseca continues his impressive run at Roland Garros while showing maturity beyond his years.

Andy Roddick shares what he hopes people don’t say about Novak Djokovic after his loss to Joao Fonseca

Andy Roddick has spoken out after Novak Djokovic’s shock defeat to Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros, revealing what he hopes people do not say about the tennis legend in the aftermath.In a thoughtful segment on his podcast and social media, Roddick urged fans and media to avoid declaring that Novak Djokovic is “finished” or that his era is definitively over. He expressed hope that people won’t use the loss to Joao Fonseca as the moment to write off one of the greatest players of all time. Roddick emphasized that Djokovic remains a fierce competitor and deserves respect rather than premature retirement narratives.“After this loss to Joao Fonseca, I hope people don’t start saying certain things about Novak,” Roddick said. He acknowledged Fonseca’s impressive performance but warned against overreacting to a single result, especially on clay where Djokovic has historically shown resilience. Roddick pointed out that champions often face tough days and that judging Djokovic’s entire legacy on one match would be unfair.The comments come as reactions to Djokovic’s exit have ranged from praise for the young Brazilian to harsh criticism of the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Roddick’s message highlights the need for perspective when evaluating all-time greats. Many fans and analysts have echoed his sentiment, calling for measured responses rather than sensational headlines following the high-profile loss at Roland Garros.

Coco Gauff shares what she told Moise Kouame after he won his first five-set match at Roland Garros

Coco Gauff has revealed the heartfelt message she delivered to Moise Kouame immediately after the young Frenchman won his first five-set match at Roland Garros.Following Kouame’s grueling five-set victory on the Paris clay, Gauff approached the rising star courtside to offer congratulations. In a post-match interview, she shared that she told him how proud she was of his mental toughness and fighting spirit. “I told him that winning your first five-set match at a Grand Slam is special,” Gauff said. “I reminded him to enjoy the moment but stay hungry because this is just the beginning.”The American star, who has faced her own battles in best-of-five format matches, praised Kouame’s composure under pressure and physical endurance throughout the epic encounter. She noted that the achievement marks a significant milestone for the young player’s career at Roland Garros.Gauff’s encouraging words reflect the growing camaraderie between top players and emerging talents. Kouame later thanked Gauff for the kind gesture, saying her advice meant a lot coming from a fellow Grand Slam champion.The moment has been widely praised by fans and commentators for showcasing sportsmanship and support across genders and generations. As Kouame continues his impressive run at the French Open, Gauff’s message serves as both celebration and motivation for the next generation breaking through at Roland Garros.

Andy Roddick tells Ben Shelton what he must change in his game after his straight sets defeat at Roland Garros

Andy Roddick has delivered direct advice to Ben Shelton following the young American’s straight sets defeat at Roland Garros. The former world No.1 and ESPN analyst didn’t hold back while breaking down Shelton’s performance on clay.Roddick pointed out that Shelton must improve his movement and consistency from the baseline if he wants to succeed at future French Opens. He highlighted that Ben Shelton’s powerful serve, while effective on faster surfaces, wasn’t enough against opponents who could neutralize it on the slower clay. Roddick emphasized the need for better sliding, patience in rallies, and developing a more reliable second shot after the serve.“Ben has the raw talent, but there are clear things he must change in his game,” Roddick said. He noted that Shelton’s aggressive style needs refinement for the physical and tactical demands of best-of-five set matches on European clay. The straight sets loss served as a learning opportunity, exposing areas where the 22-year-old still needs significant development.Despite the defeat, Roddick remains optimistic about Shelton’s future, praising his attitude and athleticism. He believes targeted adjustments to footwork and shot selection will help the American translate his hard-court success to the red dirt in coming years.Ben Shelton is expected to take the feedback seriously as he reflects on his Roland Garros exit and prepares for the grass court season.

Novak Djokovic admits one area of his game cost him against Joao Fonseca in Roland Garros defeat

Novak Djokovic has admitted that one area of his game proved decisive in his surprise Roland Garros defeat to young Brazilian star Joao Fonseca.Following the straight-sets loss to the 19-year-old breakout talent, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was reflective in his post-match press conference. Djokovic openly conceded that his return of serve — usually one of his greatest strengths — let him down at critical moments against Fonseca’s powerful and consistent delivery.“I think one area of my game cost me today,” Djokovic said. “My returns weren’t sharp enough, and he took full advantage. Credit to Joao — he played with great intensity and deserved the win.” The Serbian legend, who entered the French Open with high expectations, struggled to find rhythm on the clay, particularly when trying to neutralize Fonseca’s aggressive baseline play and booming serves.The defeat marks one of Djokovic’s earliest exits at Roland Garros in recent years and highlights the rising threat from the next generation. Fonseca’s fearless performance earned widespread praise, while Djokovic’s honest admission showed his trademark self-awareness even in defeat.Despite the loss, Djokovic remains focused on his recovery and future preparations. His willingness to pinpoint one area of his game as the key factor in the Roland Garros defeat offers insight into both his competitive mindset and the challenge posed by emerging stars like Joao Fonseca.