As the 2025 French Open approaches, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation, particularly around the women’s draw, where American star Coco Gauff finds herself in a favorable yet perilous position. The No. 2 seed, still chasing her second Grand Slam title, is poised to make a strong run at Roland Garros, but former World No. 1 Andy Roddick has sounded a warning about a formidable threat lurking in her path. Dubbed the “Novak of this draw,” two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejčíková could disrupt Gauff’s quest for glory on the Parisian clay.
Gauff, fresh off a rollercoaster clay court season, enters the tournament with a blend of confidence and caution. Despite reaching finals in Madrid and Rome, she fell short against Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, respectively, leaving her visibly emotional yet determined. Roddick, speaking on his “Served” podcast, highlighted Gauff’s resilience, noting her ability to “win ugly” and drag opponents into grueling battles even when her game isn’t firing on all cylinders. “Nothing about what Coco did screamed ‘I’m gonna win this match,’” Roddick said of her gritty semifinal victory over Zheng Qinwen at the Italian Open. “She’s just really good at dragging you into the gutter when she’s not playing well.” This mental toughness, paired with her athleticism and adaptability, makes her a formidable contender, but Roddick’s warning about Krejčíková adds a layer of intrigue.
Krejčíková, a former French Open and Wimbledon champion, is the wildcard in Gauff’s bracket. Roddick described her as an “exception” to the rule that momentum is crucial heading into majors. “She could not win a match for two years, and I’m like, ‘Oh, she’s a threat in the slam,’” he said. “If she gets through her first couple of rounds and finds her form, then she is a real problem for the entire field.” Krejčíková’s proven ability to peak at Grand Slams makes her a dangerous floater, capable of upending top seeds like Gauff if she hits her stride. This unpredictability has sparked chatter among fans and analysts, with many dubbing her the “Novak of this draw” for her potential to dominate when it matters most.
Gauff’s draw, while favorable, is far from a cakewalk. She opens against Olivia Gadecki, a manageable first-round opponent, but the path could grow treacherous. Jasmine Paolini, who bested Gauff in Rome and recently claimed the Italian Open title, looms as a potential later-round foe. Paolini’s recent surge, including a rise to No. 4 in the rankings, underscores her growing threat on clay. Meanwhile, Gauff’s own game has shown both brilliance and vulnerability. Her commanding 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Iga Świątek in Madrid showcased her potential to dominate, but serving woes—evidenced by 15 double faults in her Rome semifinal and seven in the final—remain a concern. Roddick and fellow tennis legend Jim Courier have urged Gauff to refine her forehand and serve to avoid unraveling at critical moments.
Despite these challenges, Gauff’s mental fortitude remains a cornerstone of her game. After her Rome loss, she admitted to battling physical and emotional fatigue but emphasized her focus on each point. “I was just trying to go for every point,” she said, reflecting on her marathon match against Zheng. This resilience, coupled with her experience on clay, positions her as a favorite, but Krejčíková’s presence adds a thrilling wildcard element. As Gauff navigates the pressure of high expectations and a tricky draw, the tennis world watches to see if she can overcome the “Novak of this draw” and claim her first French Open title.
# Coco Gauff Faces Krejčíková Threat at 2025 French Open
## A Favorable Yet Treacherous Draw
Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed at the 2025 French Open, enters Roland Garros with high expectations but a challenging path. Her first-round match against Olivia Gadecki appears manageable, but the draw includes potential clashes with in-form players like Jasmine Paolini, who defeated Gauff in the recent Italian Open final. Gauff’s clay court season has been a mix of brilliance—highlighted by a 6-1, 6-1 thrashing of Iga Świątek in Madrid—and frustration, with losses to Aryna Sabalenka and Paolini in the Madrid and Rome finals, respectively.
## Andy Roddick’s Warning: The Krejčíková Factor
Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick has flagged Barbora Krejčíková as a major threat in Gauff’s bracket. On his “Served” podcast, Roddick called Krejčíková the “Novak of this draw,” noting her ability to peak at Grand Slams despite inconsistent form. “She could not win a match for two years, and I’m like, ‘Oh, she’s a threat in the slam,’” Roddick said. “If she gets through her first couple of rounds and finds her form, then she is a real problem for the entire field.” Krejčíková’s past triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon make her a dangerous opponent if she finds her rhythm.
## Gauff’s Resilience and Challenges
Gauff’s ability to “win ugly” has been a hallmark of her 2025 season. Roddick praised her mental toughness, particularly after her grueling Italian Open semifinal win over Zheng Qinwen, where she battled back from a 3-5 deficit in the third set. “She’s just really good at dragging you into the gutter when she’s not playing well,” Roddick noted. However, Gauff’s serve and forehand remain areas of concern. She racked up 15 double faults in her Rome semifinal and seven in the final, prompting Roddick and Jim Courier to call for adjustments to her aggressive forehand approach when it falters.
## The Road Ahead
As Gauff prepares for Roland Garros, her mental fortitude and adaptability will be key. She reflected on her Rome performance, saying, “I was just trying to go for every point.” With Paolini’s recent rise and Krejčíková’s unpredictable brilliance, Gauff’s journey to a second Grand Slam title promises to be a thrilling battle. The tennis world awaits to see if she can navigate the chaos of her draw and overcome the “Novak of this draw” to claim the 2025 French Open crown.
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