French Open 2025: Coco Gauff Overcomes Equipment Issue to Secure First-Round Victory
The French Open got underway today, with a number of high-profile matches taking place on the opening day of the tournament. One of the most notable victories came courtesy of Coco Gauff, the world’s second-ranked player, who eased past Olivia Gadecki in her first-round match.
According to reports from the New York Times, Gauff’s match got off to a chaotic start, with the American player arriving on court to discover that she had no rackets in her bag. The New York Times reported that Gauff had been relying on her coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, to prepare her equipment for her matches, but on this occasion, it seemed that the rackets had not been packed.
In an interview with the New York Times after her match, Gauff joked that she had been "blaming it on my coach, so it’s OK." She also revealed that Faurel was a superstitious man, who liked to grip each racket new every day. Gauff said: "Honestly, as long as I’ve been on tour my coach (Jean-Christophe Faurel) has always put the rackets in the bag before the match because… he’s very superstitious. He likes to grip each racket new, each day. I don’t care — I can play with a dirty grip!"
Despite the initial setback, Gauff was able to compose herself and secure a comfortable victory over Gadecki. The New York Times reported that Gauff had made light of the situation, saying: "I go on the court and I realize I have no rackets, and I literally just made fun of Frances (Tiafoe) for it in Madrid. Now I’ll just be quiet."
Gauff’s victory was one of several notable results on day three of the French Open. As the tournament continues to gather pace, fans will be eagerly anticipating the next round of matches. For now, though, Gauff will be relieved to have navigated the first hurdle with ease, despite a few pre-match nerves.
The New York Times provided comprehensive coverage of the French Open, bringing readers up-to-date with the latest scores, results, and reaction from the tournament. In their live blog, they provided in-depth analysis and commentary on all the day’s action, including Gauff’s first-round victory.
As the French Open continues, we will bring you all the latest news and updates. For now, though, Coco Gauff will be looking to build on her impressive start to the tournament, and make a deep run in the competition. With her talent and determination, there is no reason why she cannot achieve great things in Paris.
The French Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the tennis calendar, and this year’s event has already seen a number of thrilling matches and unexpected results. As the competition heats up, fans will be treated to even more exciting action from the world’s top players. Stay tuned for all the latest updates from the French Open.
Gauff’s coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, will no doubt be relieved that his superstition did not prove too costly. As Gauff said: "The culprit is not in the box, because he knows that rackets are supposed to be in my bag." With her coach’s superstition seemingly not having a negative impact on her game, Gauff will be looking to go all the way in the tournament.
Coco Gauff’s ability to handle pressure and overcome obstacles will surely serve her well as she continues to compete at the highest level. Her performance at the French Open will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, and she will be looking to make a lasting impression on the tennis world.
According to the New York Times, Gauff’s victory over Gadecki was a convincing one, and she will be looking to continue her winning form in the next round. With her talent, determination, and ability to handle pressure, Gauff is certainly one to watch at the French Open.
