Coco Gauff involved in car accident en route to French Open title defense
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American tennis star Coco Gauff’s trip to Roland Garros for the opening French Open took a scary turn.
“We had a minor car accident on the way to the construction site today.” Gauff told TNT Sports She burst out laughing after defeating fellow American Taylor Townsend in the opening round in Paris on Tuesday.
Gauff continued, describing her hectic trip to Roland Garros: “We hit 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 practice before the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on May 23, 2026. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Gauff eventually had to find alternative transportation to get to Roland Garros. Once safely on the iconic red ground, he defeated Townsend 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the second round and prepare to face Egypt’s Mayar Sharif on Thursday.
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“The car couldn’t be driven. So we had to take a taxi,” Gauff added.
Coco Gauff of the United States returns a forehand to Taylor Townsend of the United States during a 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 her match earlier than expected following a withdrawal in another match at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“And right before we went out onto the field, my dress got stuck, so my physical therapist was in the bathroom trying to help me get it out,” Gauff said. “It was an eventful day. But when something like that happens I think it makes you not think too much about the match. I’m just happy to be here in one piece.”
Coco Gauff makes a comeback with a backhand shot against Taylor Townsend in the women’s singles match on the 3rd day of the French Open at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on May 26, 2026. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP)
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Gauff won the second Grand Slam title of her career by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final last year. He won his first at the 2023 US Open in New York.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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