French Open 2025 Women’s Day 5

Former finalist Coco Gauff sweated through a second set plagued by nine service breaks in 10 games before escaping with a 6-2, 6-4 win at French Open on Thursday.

The American who finished Roland Garros runner-up in 2022, was joined in the third round by third-seeded compatriot Jessica Pegula.

Gauff earned her 22nd victory at the clay court major, taking 75 minutes to advance.

She said a nap was required as she waited for a marathon five-set men’s match which proceeded hers to finish.

“Overll, the match was fine, but I could have been a bit more aggressive at the end of the second set,” the 2023 US Open titleholder said.

“I knew it would be a tough match today. I just took a nap and then spent time on Tik Tok and waiting for the men to finish.”

American third seed Pegula got past compariot Ann Li 6-3, 7-6 (3) as she dealt with an uncomfortable opponent and windy conditions.

Pegula, winner of her only clay title earlier this season in Charleston, notched her 30th victory of the season as she overcame the No. 55.

“It was a very physical match, a lot of long points, rallies and games,” the winners said. “I had to earn every point in every single game.

“It was very tricky, I’m just glad it ended in straight sets.”

The seed said she never felt at ease in the day’s opening mach on the Chatrier showcourt.

“She can make me uncomfortable all the time – especially on clay. She moves well and has a spinning forehand.

“You can’t lose your cool, you have to play really smart and not go for too much out there. Things were really difficult.”

The sixth-seeded teenager MIrra Andreeva found herself playing in unfamiliar sunshine; but she adjusted well, producing a 6-3, 6-4 win over Ashlyn Krueger to reach the third round.

The 18-year-old with a 2024 semi-final here is playing in her ninth Grand Slam main draw.

Andreeva was scheduled for a second straight morning match, timing which goes against her preference for sleeping in.

“I’m not really a fan to play first, because I don’t really like to wake up early. But, you know, so far it’s been working and I don’t think I can complain about it.”

Andeeva said conditions kept changing during her match.

“The first match definitely was a little different, it was a bit cloudy. Today the weather was great.

“For me, honestly, it doesn’t make any difference. So if it’s sunny, it’s great. If it’s cloudy, it’s also great, because there is no sun, nothing will bother me.”

Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa struggled for well over two hours before finally prevailing against Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. 

Britain lost Sonay Kartal, a 6-1, 6-4 victim of Czech Marie Bouzkova, whose countrywoman Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon winner, defeated Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-0, 4-6, 6-3.

Kartal was followed by national No. 1 Katie Boulter, a 6-1, 6-3 victim of US seventh seed Madison Keys, with nine-double faults for the Brit and 20 winners from Keys making the difference..