Coco Gauff dominated her French Open opener against Taylor Townsend while dismissing the sweltering Paris heat. She took the moment after the match to throw in a Florida reference regarding the heat.

Gauff began her 2026 French Open title defense by defeating fellow American, Townsend, winning two straight sets by 6-4, 6-0. This win booked her place in the second round. The Florida-born player commented on the scorching heat after the match.

"I'm from Florida, so this is nothing, shoutout Delray Beach.The reason I was using the ice was because my physio before I went out on court she was like 'can you please use the ice today' because she knows I probably wouldn't."

She also described how heat actually helps her in-game.

"I think the best part of the heat is it's just on my serve, I feel like it helps my ball bounce a lot more. I think it's an advantage more than a disadvantage for me."

Gauff brought forward the momentum from her performance at last year's French Open, where she came back from a set down against the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, to win her maiden French Open title.

This title marked her second Grand Slam title, after she won the US Open title in 2023, at 19. She became the first woman to win the French Open title after losing the first set, since Simona Halep in 2018.

The 2025 French Open title also marked her 11th singles title in her career. She beat the likes of Madison Keys in the quarterfinals and Lois Boisson in the semifinals before finally beating Sabalenka in the final.

Following her victory, Gauff would be looking to carry this into further matches and potentially win her first title of 2026, after coming so close at numerous tournaments.

Can Gauff Win Her First Title of the Year?

The French Open title holder will face Egypt's Mayar Sherif next in the second round. Sherif will compete with Gauff after defeating Dalma Galfi 7-5, 6-4.

Gauff has faced several tough exits this season, getting beaten by Elina Svitolina three times: in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the semifinals of the Dubai Open, and the final of the Italian Open.

Her defensive range and counter-attacking style remain her greatest. Also, her rock-solid backhand, which she used to win her first match, is always a reliable option for her to use.

With improvements in serving and working on her forehand, she could pose a threat to other competitors and defend her title, marking her first one in 2026 as well.

If she can retain her title, she would achieve a feat last achieved in 1986 by Chris Evert.

Do you think Coco Gauff will end her dry spell and win the 2026 French Open? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Surjo Ray