Gauff Upset, French Open Women's Singles Title Defense Ends in 3rd Round

American tennis star Coco Gauff's dream of defending her French Open title has ended. She was defeated today in the third round of the women's singles after a three-set battle against Anastasia Potapova. Russian-born Potapova lost the first set but rallied to win the next two, finishing with a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 victory as she continues her quest for her first career Grand Slam title. Potapova used powerful baseline strokes to break Gauff in the first game and took a 4-2 lead, during which Gauff slipped while trying to reach a ball. However, the 22-year-old Gauff rallied to win the first set. Potapova then increased the pressure, targeting Gauff's unstable service games, breaking twice at the start of the second set and taking a 5-2 lead. Gauff fought back to win four consecutive games, but she faltered in the tie-break due to inconsistent serving. Both players traded breaks in the final set, but world No. 4 Gauff lost her rhythm, and Potapova took control of the match. Potapova will face 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya in the fourth round.