Coco Gauff says she has put aside the psychological burden that comes with being a defending champion, insisting she no longer wants to think in terms of “defend, defend” as she aims to retain her French Open crown in Paris.
Arriving with the draw already carrying a sense of opportunity, Gauff is one of the leading contenders after Aryna Sabalenka came into the tournament dealing with an injury concern and Iga Swiatek is not viewed as the unquestioned clay ruler she once was. With that backdrop, Gauff’s experience as a recent major winner has put her firmly in the favourites’ conversation once again.
Gauff on leaving the “defending” mindset behind
The world number four, who beat Sabalenka in last year’s Roland Garros final to claim her second Grand Slam title, pointed to what she learned from an earlier attempt to protect a major trophy. In 2024, she was knocked out of the U.S. Open in the fourth round.
Speaking to reporters at this month’s Italian Open, Gauff said she has come to understand that the label of defending champion does not guarantee anything. She described each season as a fresh opening for any player to win, adding that she obviously hopes the opportunity ends with her lifting the trophy.
She also explained how her language about the tournament has shifted. After being forced to chase the idea of defending at the U.S. Open, she now frames it as simply another event on the calendar.
Gauff added: she won it last year and will try again this year, but acknowledged she cannot be expected to defend major titles every season. She joked that she is not Rafael Nadal, hinting that the longevity associated with certain greats is not something she can assume for herself.
Build-up to Roland Garros and the Madrid setback
Her preparation for the French Open has not been smooth. She had to deal with a virus and also suffered a fourth-round defeat in Madrid before rebounding with a run that took her to a second consecutive final at the Italian Open.
In that final, she committed seven double faults and was beaten by Elina Svitolina.
Serve progress and why her double-fault numbers matter
Even with those issues still visible in Rome, Gauff believes she has finally solved the problem that has plagued her serve at key moments. The double-fault concerns were significant enough that she topped the WTA Tour for double faults in both 2024 and 2025. Last year, she also brought in biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to work on the underlying mechanics.
Although she again finds herself at the top of the 2026 double-fault list, her recent match results show signs of improvement. In her Rome wins over Sorana Cirstea and Iva Jovic, she produced only one double fault in each match, a step forward she linked to greater steadiness in her second serve.
Gauff said the process has been “up-and-down,” but suggested that she believes she has discovered the right recipe for making her serving more dependable. She stressed that the next phase is about turning that consistency into a more effective weapon, while also serving smarter.
She pointed to small technical and physical adjustments as well, saying she has been tossing the ball more consistently, feeling that her weight is better, and—most importantly—having more trust and confidence in her serve.
If Gauff can keep her serve from undermining her the way it has at times before, she believes the path could be wide open for a third Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
