Coco Gauff produced the performance of her career to win her first French Open title, defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling final on Saturday in Paris.
The 21-year-old American became the first woman from the United States to lift the Roland Garros trophy since Serena Williams in 2015. She is also the youngest American champion in Paris since Williams’ own win in 2002.
Played under breezy and testing conditions, the match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, packed with drama and emotion. The top two women’s seeds were meeting in a French Open final for the first time in over a decade, and they certainly delivered a memorable battle.
Despite a combined 100 unforced errors and 15 breaks of serve, the final still featured breathtaking rallies, fearless shot-making, and true grit from both players.
Gauff, who lost her only previous French Open final in 2022 to Iga Swiatek, said this title meant everything to her.
“I was going through a lot of things when I lost this final three years ago, so it means a lot to be back and to win,” she told the crowd. “The crowd really helped me today. I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd, but I appreciate you all.”
She also quoted American artist Tyler, the Creator in her victory speech: “If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying. I think I was lying to myself — I definitely could do it.”
A Nervy Start, a Resilient Comeback
Gauff started nervously, dropping her serve to love during a run of nine straight points for Sabalenka. The Belarusian looked in control, while Gauff’s errors began to pile up. But the American showed her fighting spirit, using a clever drop shot and a crunching forehand winner to break back.
At 4-4, Sabalenka made a costly judgement error, allowing a ball from Gauff to bounce past her, thinking it would land long — only for it to fall well inside the baseline.
The first set eventually went to a tie-break, where Gauff led early but Sabalenka turned up the power to steal it 7-5. The opener alone lasted 77 minutes.
Gauff Regroups and Dominates
But Gauff bounced back strongly in the second set. She immediately broke Sabalenka’s serve and never looked back. With sharper footwork, more controlled aggression, and fewer errors, she took the second set 6-2 in less than 40 minutes.
In the decider, Gauff held her nerve while Sabalenka started to unravel. The Belarusian appeared frustrated and stared down her coaching box more than once. After drawing level at 3-3, Sabalenka double-faulted to hand Gauff a crucial break — one of 16 she offered throughout the match.
Serving at 5-4, Gauff was pushed hard. She saved a break point and wasted a match point, but kept calm. When Sabalenka sent a forehand wide on the second match point, Gauff collapsed to the clay in joy and tears.
Emotions Overflow in Paris
Sabalenka was clearly heartbroken after the match and struggled to hold back tears during the trophy presentation.
“This will hurt so much,” she said. “Thank you to my team — I’m sorry for this terrible final. I made too many mistakes, and it wasn’t good enough. But I will come back stronger.”
She then turned to Gauff with praise: “Coco, congrats. You were the better player in these tough conditions. You’re a fighter and a hard worker — well done to you and your team.”
The win marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam title after her US Open triumph, and confirms her place among the top stars of women’s tennis. It also ends Sabalenka’s hopes of a second major title this season.