Gauff finds groove after forgetting rackets, Medvedev exits French Open

PARIS :Coco Gauff forgot to take her rackets to the court but reminded her rivals of her French Open title ambitions with a commanding first-round win, while Daniil Medvedev was unable to string out his journey beyond the first round on a wet and windy Tuesday.

Three-times champion Novak Djokovic overcame the difficult conditions to begin his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a victory after last year's finalist Alexander Zverev got off to a flier in his hunt for an elusive maiden major trophy.

Former Roland Garros runner-up Gauff provided some early comic relief as the second seed grinned sheepishly and showed her empty bag to her entourage, who scampered to reunite her with her equipment before she beat Olivia Gadecki 6-2 6-2.

"The most important thing is to play with a racket," said Gauff, who jokingly posted a photo on X later of a to-do list that had 'put tennis rackets in bag' unchecked.

"It probably relaxed me going into the match, because it was such a funny thing. I'm just happy to get through. I'll remember my rackets next time."

The Madrid and Rome finalist made up for a slightly delayed start to her match on Court Philippe Chatrier by easing through the first three games and wrapped up the opening set with a brave hold after dropping serve earlier.

There was no looking back from there as Gauff tightened her grip on the contest and booked a clash with Tereza Valentova.

On the men's side, third seed Zverev sealed a comprehensive 6-3 6-3 6-4 victory over Learner Tien, avenging a defeat by the 19-year-old American in Acapulco earlier this year.

Medvedev was not as efficient, losing eight consecutive games after taking a 3-1 lead in the opening set against Cameron Norrie and his frustrations boiled over in a