Coco Gauff’s forgotten racquets spark laughter as her “to-do list” goes viral at French Open

World No. 2 Coco Gauff’s 2025 French Open campaign began with a moment of levity—and a frantic scramble—when the defending champion realized she’d arrived on Court Philippe-Chatrier without her racquets. The American, set to face Australia’s Olivia Gadecki, rummaged through her bag in vain before her team and a quick-thinking ball boy saved the day. Despite the chaotic start, Gauff breezed past Gadecki 6-2, 6-2, booking a second-round clash against Tereza Valentova. But the real punchline came post-match, when Gauff turned her blunder into a viral joke.

Coco Gauff’s to-do list goes viral

After securing her win, Gauff took to social media to share a handwritten checklist titled “To Do List French Open Round 1”. The list included tasks like:

"Tie Shoes, Pack Clothes, Arrange Fruit Salad, Put Tennis Racquets in Bag."

The final item racquets—crucial for any tennis pro—remained unchecked, a playful nod to her pre-match oversight.

Coco Gauff captioned the post, “Oops, forgot the last one 😅”, sending fans into a frenzy of memes and jokes about relatable forgetfulness.

How the drama unfolded

Clad in an ash-gray tennis dress, Gauff walked onto the court expecting a routine start. But as she unzipped her bag, reality hit: no racquets. Footage shows her gesturing frantically to her team, then sharing a laugh with Gadecki, who found the situation as bewildering as the crowd. A ball boy soon dashed in with a clutch delivery of six racquets, salvaging the moment.

“I thought they put the racquets in the bag,” Gauff admitted post-match. “My side bag was filled with drinks, so it felt heavy enough. Then I opened the first zipper…nothing. The second zipper…oh my God.”

Despite the hiccup, Gauff dominated. She broke Gadecki early, recovered from a brief service slip in the first set, and never looked back. Her powerful baseline strokes and improved net play left the Australian scrambling, proving why she’s the tournament’s second seed.

Why the moment resonates beyond the court

Coco Gauff’s lighthearted response to the incident highlights her maturity and relatability. At 21, she’s mastered the art of balancing elite athletic pressure with a down-to-earth persona. Fans praised her for turning a potential embarrassment into a viral teachable moment—always double-check your gear.

The incident also underscores the unpredictable nature of Grand Slams. Last year’s French Open champion, Gauff is no stranger to high stakes, but even veterans can face rookie mistakes. Her ability to laugh it off—then steamroll her opponent—speaks volumes about her mental fortitude.

Looking Ahead: Valentova awaits

Gauff’s next challenge comes against Czech teenager Tereza Valentova, who fought through qualifiers to reach her first Grand Slam main draw. While Valentova’s aggressive style could test Gauff’s defense, the American’s experience and composure make her the clear favorite.

Coco Gauff’s French Open opener had everything: drama, dominance, and a dash of humor. While her racquet gaffe stole headlines, her on-court performance reminded everyone why she’s a reigning champion. As the tournament progresses, one thing’s certain: Gauff’s checklist now includes a bold, underlined reminder—BRING RACQUETS.