PARIS — Second seed Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the French Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova on Wednesday, continuing her pursuit of a second Grand Slam singles title.
The 20-year-old American, who claimed her maiden major at the 2023 US Open, showcased her trademark athleticism and composure on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Despite a spirited challenge from the 18-year-old Valentova, Gauff’s experience and consistency proved decisive in a match that lasted just over 90 minutes.
Gauff’s Dominant Start
Gauff wasted no time asserting her dominance, breaking Valentova’s serve in the opening game. The Czech teenager, ranked No. 176, struggled to handle Gauff’s depth and variety, particularly on the backhand side. "I knew she was going to come out swinging, so I wanted to stay aggressive but also patient," Gauff said in her post-match interview.
Key moments in the first set included:
- A 12-point third game where Gauff saved three break points
- A stunning cross-court backhand winner to secure a double-break lead at 4-1
- A 78% first-serve win rate, compared to Valentova’s 52%
Valentova’s Fightback
The second set saw Valentova raise her level, capitalizing on a brief dip in Gauff’s intensity. The Czech broke for a 2-1 lead after a series of unforced errors from the American. However, Gauff responded immediately, breaking back in the next game with a perfectly executed drop shot.
"She’s got a lot of potential, and she made me work for every point," Gauff acknowledged. "I had to adjust my game when she started hitting deeper, but I’m happy with how I handled the pressure."
Turning Point
The pivotal moment came at 4-4 in the second set, when Gauff saved two break points with clutch serving. She then broke Valentova in the following game, sealing the match with a forehand winner down the line. The victory marked Gauff’s 10th consecutive win at Roland Garros, dating back to her runner-up finish in 2022.
Looking Ahead
Gauff will face either China’s Wang Yafan or Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in the third round. With top seed Iga Świątek looming as a potential semifinal opponent, Gauff emphasized the importance of staying focused: "I’m taking it one match at a time. Every round gets tougher, so I have to keep improving."
Statistically, Gauff’s performance highlighted her growth on clay:
- Won 70% of net points (14/20)
- Converted 4 of 7 break points
- Hit 22 winners to 18 unforced errors
Coach’s Perspective
Brad Gilbert, Gauff’s part-time coaching consultant, praised her adaptability: "Coco’s maturity stands out. She’s making smarter decisions under pressure, and her second-serve returns today were exceptional." Gilbert has been working with Gauff since July 2023, helping her refine her tactical approach.
The match also featured a brief rain delay at 3-2 in the second set, but Gauff maintained her focus after the restart. "I used the break to reset," she said. "Sometimes those pauses can throw you off, but I stayed locked in."
Historical Context
Gauff is now 19-4 at the French Open, her best record at any major. A title here would make her the youngest woman to win multiple Slams since Maria Sharapova in 2006. With defending champion Świątek and third seed Aryna Sabalenka in her half of the draw, the path remains challenging.
Valentova, meanwhile, leaves Paris with her head held high after qualifying for her first Grand Slam main draw. "Playing Coco on Chatrier was a dream," she said. "I’ll learn from this and come back stronger."
Gauff’s next match is scheduled for Friday. Weather permitting, she’ll look to continue her momentum on a surface that has increasingly become her forte. Since turning 18, Gauff has won 75% of her clay-court matches (36-12), the third-best percentage among active players behind Świątek and Ons Jabeur.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Gauff can replicate her US Open triumph on the Parisian clay. For now, she remains firmly on course, blending power, precision, and poise in equal measure.