Coco Gauff's French Open title defense ended Saturday as Anastasia Potapova upset the fourth-ranked American 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in the third round. The match on Court Philippe-Chatrier drew sparse crowds as French fans watched the Champions League soccer final instead. Potapova, ranked 30th but representing Austria, improved to 3-2 in career meetings against Gauff.

The defending champion captured her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros just last year when she defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. Potapova has enjoyed a strong clay season, reaching a final in Linz and semifinals in Madrid as a qualifier. Gauff arrived in Paris fresh from a run to the Italian Open final, showing solid form on the surface before this unexpected exit.

When Gauff shanked a forehand wide on Potapova's first match point, the Russian-born Austrian fell on her back in celebration. Gauff waved to the sparse crowd and quickly departed the court. The loss marks Gauff's earliest exit at Roland Garros since 2019 and represents a significant setback as she aims to build on her Grand Slam momentum.