FUELED by the sting of past heartbreak, Coco Gauff found the strength and focus to finally conquer Roland-Garros.
The 21-year-old American clinched her first French Open title on Sunday, June 8, 2025, coming from behind to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, in a dramatic and blustery final at Court Philippe-Chatrier. The win marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam title, two years after capturing the U.S. Open.
“I think (the U.S. Open victory) was more emotional but this one was harder,” said Gauff, who managed to navigate the momentum swings and swirling winds better than her top-seeded opponent. “I knew it was going to be about will power and mental (strength).”
This win also put to rest lingering doubts born from her crushing loss in the 2022 French Open final against Iga Swiatek, a match Gauff admits rattled her long before it began.
“It was a tough time, I was doubting myself,” Gauff recalled. “I was crying before the match, and so nervous, literally couldn’t breathe and stuff.”
The lopsided loss left her shaken and questioning whether she was built for the highest level of the sport.
“I thought if I can’t handle this how am I going to handle it again?” she said.
On Sunday, she answered that question with authority.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, made just 30 unforced errors over the three-set final—less than half of Sabalenka’s 70. It was a clean, composed performance from the American, who again came from a set down to beat Sabalenka, just as she did in their U.S. Open final clash last year.
After Sabalenka sent a backhand wide on match point, Gauff dropped to her back and covered her face, overcome by emotion. She sobbed, then rose, placing a hand over her mouth before falling to her knees and patting the clay in disbelief.
She embraced Sabalenka at the net, thanked the umpire, and screamed in joy before collapsing again in tears. Then came hugs from her box, including a warm moment with film director Spike Lee, who was among those cheering her on from the stands.
Gauff then addressed the crowd in a heartfelt speech.
“You guys were cheering for me so hard,” she said. “I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd.”
She also admitted one shortcoming on the day — a speech in the local tongue.
“I completely tanked on that,” she said of her attempt to speak French. “I don’t think I could do a whole speech but maybe a good something to say to the French crowd.”
Gauff is now the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. Her final against Sabalenka was also the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 women’s championship match in Paris since 2013.
Sabalenka, gracious in defeat, commended Gauff’s grit.
“This will hurt so much,” Sabalenka said. “Coco, congrats, in the tough conditions you were a better player than me.” / RSC