PARIS – Defending champions Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the French Open after defeating qualifier Mayar Sherif 6-3, 6-2 in a hard-fought match on Thursday. Although Gauff secured a straight-sets victory, she was tested physically as Sherif used heavy moon balls and aggressive resistance to disrupt her rhythm early on.
Sherif briefly regained momentum by breaking serve in the first set and again challenging Gauff in extended rallies, but the defending champion held her composure to close out key games, including a lengthy sixth game and an ace to seal the opener. In the second set, both players exchanged early breaks before Gauff pulled away to secure the win in under two hours. She will next face either Katie Boulter or Anastasia Potapova in the next round.
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