Reuters

Coco Gauff beat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the second round at Roland Garros. | Photo Credit: AFP

Reigning French Open champion Coco ​Gauff recovered from a slow ‌start to power past fellow ​American Taylor Townsend ⁠6-4 6-0 as her title defence began in style on ‌Tuesday.

On a baking Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff struggled ‌to find her range ‌early ⁠on and was ⁠a point away from slipping two breaks of serve behind against ​her compatriot.

But ‌the fourth seed quickly recovered her poise to take control and move safely ‌through to the second ​round.

Gauff double-faulted on set point at 5-3 in ⁠the opener but broke the Townsend serve in ‌the next game to move ahead.

After that it was one-way traffic as she raced to victory.

“I have so many great memories ‌on this court,” Gauff, who ​beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final last year, ⁠said.

“I was a little nervous ⁠going out today, that showed a bit, ‌but I was able to find my calm.” 

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Published on May 26, 2026