Paris, May 27, 2025 — The 2025 French Open commenced with a blend of lighthearted moments and unexpected upsets. American tennis star Coco Gauff overcame a pre-match blunder to secure a straight-sets victory, while former world number one Daniil Medvedev faced a surprising first-round defeat.
Gauff Triumphs After Forgetting Rackets
Coco Gauff, the tournament’s second seed and 2023 US Open champion, began her Roland Garros campaign with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. The match, however, started with an amusing incident: Gauff arrived on Court Philippe-Chatrier without her rackets, realizing the oversight only moments before play was set to begin.
“I thought they were in my bag,” Gauff explained post-match, attributing the mix-up to her coach’s superstitions. “He usually carries them for me.” A ball boy promptly retrieved the rackets, allowing the match to proceed without further delay.
Despite the windy conditions, Gauff showcased her resilience and adaptability, capitalizing on Gadecki’s 32 unforced errors to dominate the match. This victory marked Gauff’s 21st win at Roland Garros, making her the youngest American to achieve over 20 Women’s Singles victories at the French Open in the Open Era.
Medvedev’s Early Exit
In a significant upset, 11th seed Daniil Medvedev was ousted in the first round by Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The match extended to five sets, with Norrie prevailing 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 after nearly four hours of play. This defeat marks Medvedev’s sixth first-round exit at Roland Garros, highlighting his ongoing struggles on clay courts.
Norrie, ranked 81st, had never previously taken a set from Medvedev in their past encounters. His victory was characterized by strategic play and mental fortitude, especially in the decisive fifth set where he rallied from a break down to clinch the match.
What’s Next
Gauff’s next challenge will be against the winner of the match between [opponent names], as she continues her quest for a maiden French Open title. Her recent performances, including finals appearances in Madrid and Rome, indicate strong form heading into the deeper rounds of the tournament.
For Medvedev, the early exit is a setback in a season that has seen inconsistent results. His focus may now shift to the upcoming grass-court season, where he has historically performed better.
The opening days of the 2025 French Open have already delivered memorable moments and unexpected twists, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
