05/31/2026
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.