Double faults aside: Coco Gauff finds a way past junior champ Valentova

Coco Gauff moved comfortably into the third round of the French Open after defeating teenager Tereza Valentova 6-2, 6-4. The American once again showed her credentials as a contender against a tricky opponent, the 2024 French Open junior champion.

Gauff was notable on serve, landing 70% of her first serves and winning 61% of those points. However, she struggled with double faults—a total of 6—an issue that continues to plague her and could prove costly against high-profile opponents. She saved 2 out of 7 break points against her, while converting 8 out of 13 in her favor.

It wasn't Gauff's best day, but it was enough, as she leveraged her experience against an opponent she had never faced before, let alone a top-10 player, or on a packed court as important as Philippe Chatrier.

Nevertheless, the Czech left a good impression, with a highly competitive second set against Gauff, where she was up 4-2, but errors eventually cost her. Despite the loss, the 18-year-old advances almost 30 spots in the ranking, reaching her best position as world No. 144 and making her debut in the top-150.

Coco Gauff, meanwhile, is preparing for the third round this Saturday, against another Czech: the experienced Marie Bouzkova, who early eliminated Anna Kalinskaya and overwhelmed Sonay Kartal in the second round.