During her first-round match at the French Open 2025 on May 27, Coco Gauff sparked laughter and surprise when she walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier with an empty racket bag, a moment that left commentator Chris Evert stunned. The No. 2 seed, who defeated Australia’s Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-3, forgot to pack her rackets, as captured in a viral moment shared on X by @YouBetWhat, who noted, “Coco Gauff walks out looking stunningly stylish in a kit featuring a leather jacket. Unfortunately she forgot to put tennis rackets in her bag this morning.” @gyezi_ added, “seems Coco Gauff is pretty preoccupied of late — after this in Rome, she just walked on-to the Chatrier with an empty racquet bag!” This lighthearted blunder, echoing a similar incident at the Madrid Open where Gauff was interviewed during a power outage, highlighted her ability to laugh off mishaps amid a strong performance.
The Blunder and Match Context
Gauff’s entrance, stylish in a New Balance leather jacket kit, turned comical when she realized her bag was empty, prompting chuckles from the crowd and Evert, who was commentating for Eurosport, per @TennisConnected. Evert, known for her support of Gauff, remarked on the “uncharacteristic” oversight, noting Gauff’s focus despite the gaffe. Gauff quickly retrieved her rackets and dominated Gadecki, converting 4 of 7 break points and winning 78% of first-serve points, per WTA stats. Her clay prowess, with a 2022 Roland Garros final and 2024 doubles title, shone through, setting up a second-round clash with either Elena-Gabriela Ruse or Tamara Zidansek.
Evert’s Reaction and Commentary History
Evert’s stunned reaction added to the moment’s charm, reflecting her close attention to Gauff’s career. However, her commentary has previously drawn scrutiny for perceived bias toward Gauff, as seen in 2024 US Open backlash where fans criticized her “cringeworthy” focus on Gauff over Emma Navarro, per Sportskeeda. At the 2024 French Open, Evert defended Gauff during a controversial umpiring call against Iga Swiatek, calling it “awful officiating”. Her surprise at Gauff’s blunder, paired with praise for her recovery, aligns with this pattern, though fans on X found the moment endearing rather than contentious.
French Open Narratives and Parallels
Gauff’s blunder ties into the 2025 French Open’s themes of resilience and humanity, mirroring Mirra Andreeva’s comeback against Cristina Bucsa, Paula Badosa’s emotional win over Naomi Osaka, and Jannik Sinner’s outfit controversy. Like Luke Littler’s darts antics and Jack Grealish’s transfer saga, Gauff’s lighthearted error underscores athletes’ ability to navigate pressure with humor. Her favorable draw, avoiding Swiatek until a potential final, positions her as a title contender, per USA Today, with momentum from Rome and Madrid finals despite a 2025 title drought.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s empty racket bag blunder at the French Open 2025, walking onto Court Philippe-Chatrier without her rackets, drew laughs and left Chris Evert stunned, as shared on X by @YouBetWhat and @gyezi_. Yet, her 6-2, 6-3 win over Olivia Gadecki showcased her focus, advancing her toward a second major title. The incident, paired with Evert’s reaction, highlights Gauff’s charm and resilience, resonating with the tournament’s narratives of perseverance and individuality.
