Coco Gauff delivers her opinion on the main court at the French Open after practicing on it three times this year
Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 and 2023 US Open champion, expressed an optimistic view of the main court at Roland Garros, Court Philippe-Chatrier, after practicing on it three times ahead of the 2025 French Open, which began on May 25, 2025. In a pre-tournament press conference reported by Olympics.com on May 24, 2025, Gauff described the court as feeling “familiar” and conducive to her game, stating, “I’ve had three good sessions on Chatrier, and it feels like home now. The clay suits my movement, and I’m comfortable sliding and defending there.” She highlighted the court’s slower surface as ideal for her aggressive, athletic style, noting, “The bounce gives me time to set up my shots, which I love.”
Comfort Rooted in Experience
Gauff’s comfort on Chatrier aligns with her strong clay-court form in 2025, having reached finals in Madrid and Rome, though she lost to Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, respectively, per SportsTak. Her familiarity with the court stems from deep runs at Roland Garros, including the 2022 singles final, 2024 doubles title with Kateřina Siniaková, and a 2024 semifinal, amassing a 20-5 record at the tournament, per wtatennis.com. Despite past frustrations, such as a 2024 semifinal dispute with umpire Aurélie Tourte over a line call against Iga Świątek (AP News), Gauff emphasized a pressure-free mindset in 2025, saying, “I’m just enjoying being back on Chatrier. No expectations, just playing my game.”
Preparation and Fan Support
Her practice sessions, which she described as “intense but fun,” focused on refining her serve and forehand under new coach Matt Daly, per Wikipedia. Gauff’s positive remarks contrast with her 2024 comments on late-night scheduling on Chatrier, where she called 3 a.m. finishes “not healthy” (ESPN), but no such concerns were raised in 2025, suggesting improved tournament logistics. Fans on X, like @TennisFanatic, noted her enthusiasm, posting, “Coco’s vibe on Chatrier sounds confident—she’s ready to dominate.” Facing Olivia Gadecki in the first round, Gauff’s favorable draw and affinity for Chatrier position her as a strong contender for her first Roland Garros singles title, per USAToday.com.
