Coco Gauff wins after 'mini car accident' at French Open

Field Level Media|published: 05/26/2026, 1:37pm EDT

May 27, 2025; Paris, FR; Coco Gauff of the United States tosses the ball to serve during her match against Olivia Gadecki of Australia on day three at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Defending champion Coco Gauff won her first-round match at the French Open hours after a "mini car accident" on the way to Roland Garros on Tuesday.

The fourth-seeded Gauff discussed the incident with TNT Sports following her 6-4, 6-0 victory against fellow American Taylor Townsend in Paris.

Gauff, who was not injured, said the vehicle she was a passenger in struck a pole.

"You felt a little impact. I spilled my juice all over the car," she said, adding that the car was not drivable afterward and she had to switch vehicles to reach the stadium.

Gauff, 22, advanced to the second round and will face Egypt's Mayar Sherif on Thursday. Sherif defeated Dalma Galfi of Hungary 7-5, 6-4 on Tuesday.

--Field Level Media