7 WTA players who could derail Coco Gauff’s French Open title defense

Coco Gauff, 22, heads into the 2026 French Open as the defending champion after her 2025 title run, which included a final victory over Aryna Sabalenka. However, she faces a strong field this year, with world number one Sabalenka arriving motivated after describing that final loss as the worst match of her career. Other notable threats include Iga Swiatek, who is returning to form on clay, and Rome champion Elina Svitolina, who recently defeated Swiatek at the Italian Open.