Gauff Reaches French Open Round Two After Pre-Match Car Collision

Gauff Reaches French Open Round Two After Pre-Match Car Collision

Coco Gauff arrived at Roland Garros for her 2026 French Open first-round match after the vehicle carrying her struck a pole on the way to the venue, leaving the car undriveable and forcing her to complete the journey by taxi. The world No. 1 American then defeated compatriot Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-0 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to advance to the second round.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match on Tuesday, 26 May, Gauff recounted a chain of disruptions that preceded her on-court appearance. The collision caused enough of an impact that she spilled juice inside the vehicle, and the car had to be abandoned before a taxi was arranged. Gauff was also called onto court earlier than scheduled after a retirement in a preceding match, and moments before taking the court her dress became stuck, requiring her physiotherapist’s assistance backstage. “It was an eventful day,” she said. “But I feel like whenever that happens, it lets you not think about the match too much. I’m just happy to be here in one piece.”

Gauff arrived in Paris as the defending women’s singles champion, having defeated Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final to claim her second Grand Slam title. Her first came at the 2023 US Open.

She is scheduled to face Egypt’s Mayar Sherif in the second round on Thursday.