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American tennis star Coco Gauff’s trip to Roland Garros for her French Open opener took a scary turn.
“We had a mini-car accident on the way to the venue today,” Gauff told TNT Sports with a laugh on Tuesday after defeating American Taylor Townsend in the opening round in Paris.
Gauff went on to talk about the hectic trip to Roland Garros, saying: “We ran into a pole. You could feel the impact. I spilled my juice all over the car.”
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Coco Gauff of the United States smiles during a practice session ahead of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on May 23, 2026. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Gauff ultimately had to find alternative transportation to get to Roland Garros. Arriving safely on the iconic red clay, she advanced to the second round with a straight-sets win over Townsend, 6-4, 6-0, to set up a Thursday match with Egypt’s Mayar Sherif.
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“The car couldn’t be driven. So we ended up taking a taxi,” Gauff added.
US Coco Gauff plays a forehand return to American Taylor Townsend during their women’s singles match on Day 3 of the French Open at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on May 26, 2026. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images)
Gauff started his match earlier than expected as there was a retirement in another match at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“And right before I went to court, my dress got stuck, so my physical therapist was in the bathroom trying to help me take it off,” Gauff said. “It was an eventful day. But I feel like when that happens, it doesn’t let you think too much about the game. I’m just happy to be here in one piece.”
Coco Gauff returns to Taylor Townsend during their women’s singles match on Day 3 of the French Open at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on May 26, 2026. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP)
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Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s French Open final to capture the second Grand Slam title of her career. She won her first at the 2023 US Open in New York.
