Coco Gauff says she is involved in a “mini” car accident on her way to Roland Garros ahead of her first-round match at the French Open. Multiple outlets report that Gauff was traveling to the venue before her match against fellow American Taylor Townsend. She says the vehicle ran into a pole and that she felt a slight impact, spilling her drink inside the car. She adds that the car was not drivable, so she took a taxi to reach the grounds.
Despite the incident, Gauff plays and wins her opening match. She defeats Townsend 6–4, 6–0, with her match schedule adjusted earlier than expected after a retirement in another match on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Additional minor issues are also mentioned, including Gauff saying her dress became stuck just before she went on court, requiring help from her physio. Sources also note that Gauff enters as the defending champion after winning the French Open title last year, where she beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
