Coco Gauff in car accident at French Open as vehicle left ‘undriveable’ | Tennis | Sport
American tennis star Coco Gauff revealed that she was involved in a car accident on her way to the French Open. The defending champion beat compatriot Taylor Townsend in the first round and then admitted that her preparations were hampered by the road collision, having to find alternative transport to Roland Garros.
Gauff cruised past Townsend in the opening round, securing a 6-4, 6-0 victory to set up a second-round clash with Egyptian Mayar Sherif. The 22-year-old has coped well with the sweltering conditions at the French Open, having grown up in Florida accustomed to such temperatures.
Gauff disclosed to TNT Sports USA that she had been in a car accident prior to the match and described the vehicle as “undrivable,” forcing her to get a taxi to the venue.
“So, we kind of got in a mini car accident on our way to the site today,” Gauff said. “So, there was like this whole thing and it’s supposed to go down, and the police told him to go, but the pole was still there.
“So we ran into it, and you felt the impact. I spilled my juice all over the car. I was like, ‘We can keep going.’ Then I walk out the car and it was not drivable.
“We ended up taking a taxi and then a tournament car to the tournament. I feel like it’s a good omen, maybe? Everything is happening in the first round.”
She then added: “Eventful day, whenever it happens, it lets you not think about the match too much. Just that I’m happy to be there in one piece.”
Gauff appeared unfazed during her commanding victory over Townsend, requiring just 79 minutes to dispatch her compatriot.
Gauff had never previously defeated Townsend before Tuesday, having lost their only prior encounter, but cruised into the second round and suggested that her capacity to handle the heat could prove beneficial.
“When I saw it was going to be hot, I definitely think it’s something I do well in and can thrive in a bit because of growing up in Florida,” Gauff said.
“I know some people try to practice early, but I try to sometimes practice in the prime of the day, even if it’s shorter, just to get used to, because you never know.”
