Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed at the 2025 French Open, faces a favorable yet potentially treacherous draw that has sparked intense discussion in the tennis world, with Andy Roddick highlighting two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejčíková as the “Novak of this draw” threat. According to a May 23, 2025, EssentiallySports report, Roddick warned on his *Served* podcast that Krejčíková, a former Roland Garros winner, could derail Gauff’s title hopes if she finds her form. Gauff’s path, outlined by USA Today, starts against a qualifier or lucky loser in the first round, followed by potential matchups against No. 30 Anna Kalinskaya in the third round and Krejčíková in the fourth. Roddick noted, “If Krejčíková gets through her first couple of rounds and finds her form, she’s a real problem for the entire field,” predicting she could reach the semifinals if she advances that far. Gauff holds a 0-2 record against Krejčíková, including a 2021 French Open quarterfinal loss, making this a high-stakes potential rematch.
Gauff’s draw avoids top seed Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Iga Świątek until a possible final, with Sabalenka facing a tougher path alongside players like Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina. Gauff’s recent clay form—finals in Madrid and Rome, where she lost to Sabalenka and Paolini—bolsters her confidence, but her 35 double faults in Rome and 33 forehand unforced errors against Paolini, as noted by Tennis Channel, raise concerns. Roddick emphasized Krejčíková’s versatility and experience as a “dark horse” threat, likening her to Novak Djokovic’s ability to elevate unexpectedly. Fans on X, like @TennisUpToDate2, amplified Roddick’s warning, with some expressing excitement over Gauff’s favorable draw and others wary of Krejčíková’s potential resurgence despite her recent back injury and limited 2025 play.
Gauff, speaking to the WTA, remains focused, saying, “I have a lot of confidence going into Roland Garros, and hopefully I can get to the final there and win it.” Her 2024 French Open doubles title and 2022 singles final appearance make her a strong contender, but Krejčíková’s looming presence adds chaos to her quest for a second Grand Slam.[
