Defending French Open champion, Coco Gauff has been eliminated from the 2026 tournament after a hard-fought third-round loss to Anastasia Potapova at Roland Garros.

Gauff, who entered the match as the fourth seed, took the first set 6-4 but was unable to maintain her momentum as Potapova fought back to win 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 in a tense and physically demanding encounter.

The match featured extended rallies and multiple shifts in momentum, with Potapova’s defensive resilience proving decisive as she repeatedly frustrated the American throughout the contest.

With the victory, Potapova secured her place in the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in her career, marking one of the biggest wins of her professional journey.

Speaking after the match, Potapova admitted she was physically exhausted but thrilled with the result, describing the win as a deeply emotional achievement and praising Gauff’s status as a champion.

She added that both players endured a tough battle, noting that she remained focused until the final point despite cramping late in the match.

The result adds to a series of upsets at this year’s tournament, with several top-ranked players, including Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, also exiting earlier than expected.

Potapova will now face 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya in the round of 16 after Kalinskaya defeated Camila Osorio 6-3, 0-6, 6-2.

Earlier in the day, sixth seed Amanda Anisimova was also eliminated following a loss to France’s Diane Parry, further opening up the women’s draw.

Gauff, who won last year’s title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, came into the tournament without a title in 2026 and was unable to replicate her previous championship form in Paris.