• Coco Gauff needed less than 90 minutes to secure her place in the third round of the French Open – recording a 17-year first in the process.

The 21-year-old stormed to victory after she eased past Tereza Valentova to win 6-2, 6-4 after 75 minutes on Thursday.

Gauff outclassed Valentiva in their second round clash at Roland GarrosCredit: GETTY

It was a mismatch right from the very start as Gauff capitalised on the 33 unforced errors made by her 18-year-old opponent.

Gauff’s win was not surprising either, not least because she very rarely loses to opponents younger than her.

The World No.2 has won 12 of her 13 career meetings against such opponents – losing to only Diana Shnaider in Toronto last season.

Although, despite a strong performance from Gauff, she did struggle with her serve at times, too, being broken five times.

However, in the end, Valentova wasn’t as ruthless as the American who has made at least the quarter-finals in each of the last four editions of the French Open.

“She’s very young and I knew it would be a tough match,” the 2022 runner-up said.

Gauff’s consistency at this tournament is best demonstrated by the latest feat she’s achieved.

Her victory also means she is the youngest player since Maria Sharapova in 2008 to reach the third round in Paris in five consecutive years.

Her 22 main-draw match wins at Roland Garros are the most at any single tournament.

Gauff moved exceptionally well on the clay during her winCredit: GETTY

Very few hurdles for Gauff in her winCredit: GETTY

Gauff’s win comes amid a slight American revival on clay, at least when it comes to the women’s draw.

There were nine American women in action across the 16-second round matches.

Madison Keys secured her place in the third round with a straightforward 6-1, 6-3 win over Katie Boulter.

Jessica Pegula overcame Ann Li in an All-American final.

Robin Montgomery, who’s friends with Gauff, was edged out in a narrow 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 defeat to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

While Hailey Baptiste, who was roommates with Gauff as children, booked her place in the third round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Nao Hibino, the furthest stage she’s ever reached at a Grand Slam.