Coco Gauff was far from her best, but did enough to reach the French Open third round after defeating qualifier Tereza Valentova in straight sets on Thursday. 

Gauff, a finalist at Roland-Garros back in 2022, emerged a 6-2 6-4 victor in one hour and 15 minutes to set up a clash with Marie Bouzkova for a place in the last 16. 

The second seed saw an early break quickly vanish, but managed to find herself 4-2 up before breaking again in the eighth game, sealing set point at the fourth attempt. 

A thrilling second set saw both players struggle on serve, with Gauff finally able to hold in the fifth game, but the pattern continued until the end of the contest. 

The final five games resulted in consecutive breaks of serve, but Gauff's timely hold earlier proved crucial as she sealed the win with a fierce forehand that Valentova could not return. 

No time to loose for Coco #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/vd80WzmHDh

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2025

Third seed Jessica Pegula also booked her place in the third round with a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory over compatriot Ann Li in one hour and 10 minutes. 

Indeed, Pegula's victory saw her become the second player in 2025 to claim 30+ WTA level main draw victories, after world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Pegula and Gauff will be joined in the next round in Paris by Mirra Andreeva, who comfortably overcame Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets. 

Andreeva triumphed 6-3 6-4, becoming the youngest player to reach the women's singles third round at Roland-Garros three years in a row since Anna Kournikova (1997-1999).

Aged 18 years and 26 days, Andreeva became the youngest player to achieve 20 women's singles match wins at grand slam events since Nicole Vaidisova (17 years, 127 days) in 2006.

20 - Mirra Andreeva (18y 26d) has become the youngest player to achieve 20 Women's Singles match wins at Grand Slam events since Nicole Vaidisova (17y 127d) in 2006. Progress.#RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/us2siKwzNC

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 29, 2025

Data Debrief: Gauff through, but not at her best

Gauff is the youngest player to reach the women's singles third round at Roland-Garros for five consecutive years (2021-2025) since Maria Sharapova (2004-2008).

But she will want an improved performance in the next round, particularly on serve after an error-strewn display against Valentova. 

The American produced six double faults, while also making a total of nine errors in the match, winning just 61% (23/38) of her first-serve points.