Coco Gauff has long been seen as one of the brightest young stars in tennis, but on a historic Saturday at Roland-Garros, she cemented her place in tennis history by claiming her first French Open title. The 21-year-old American defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, earning her second Grand Slam title, two years after her U.S. Open victory.
Gauff’s triumph was particularly sweet, as it came after a difficult and emotional loss in the 2022 French Open final, when she was just 18 years old. Facing Iga Świątek in that match, Gauff struggled with nerves and doubt, unable to find her rhythm on the big stage. But in 2025, she showed a level of maturity and mental resilience that made all the difference.
The match against Sabalenka was a true test of willpower and focus. The opening set was a tight, emotional battle, with Gauff dropping it in a tiebreaker, but she didn’t let the early setback affect her. “I knew it was going to be about willpower and mental strength,” Gauff admitted after the win, acknowledging the mental fortitude required to turn the match around.
The second and third sets were a different story, though. Gauff found her rhythm and began to overpower Sabalenka, who struggled with the changing conditions and momentum shifts. Gauff’s ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure stood out, particularly when she broke Sabalenka’s serve in the decisive moments of the match.
Reflecting on her emotional journey, Gauff shared how the painful memory of her 2022 loss to Świątek served as powerful motivation for her French Open comeback. “It was a tough time, I was doubting myself,” she said, recalling the anxiety and nerves she felt before her first major final. “I was crying before the match, so nervous, literally couldn’t breathe.” But this time, with the lessons learned from her past, Gauff approached the final with the strength and poise of a seasoned champion.
While Gauff acknowledged that her U.S. Open victory was more emotional, she recognized that this French Open win was far more difficult. She had to fight not just against a tough opponent, but against the demons of her past, proving that she could overcome self-doubt and the pressure of playing on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
In many ways, this win marked the culmination of Gauff’s evolution into a true champion. From a precocious teenager with incredible potential to a player capable of handling the physical and mental challenges of elite tennis, she’s proven that she’s more than just a rising star. Gauff now joins the ranks of tennis’ elite with two Grand Slam titles to her name, and the future looks incredibly bright for the young American.
As Gauff lifted the French Open trophy, her victory was not only a testament to her physical prowess but also to her growth as a player and person. The painful memories of the 2022 final have now been replaced by the sweet taste of triumph, and Gauff has earned her place among the tennis greats. As she continues to develop her game and mental strength, there’s little doubt that her name will be etched in tennis history for many years to come.
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