At just 21, Coco Gauff stands at a pivotal moment in her tennis career, undeterred by back-to-back clay-court final losses in Madrid and Rome. On May 18, 2025, the American prodigy shared a bold confession about her French Open aspirations, channeling her recent setbacks into fuel for redemption on the red clay of Roland Garros. With a renewed mindset and steely determination, Gauff’s journey from disappointment to defiance has captivated the tennis world, positioning her as a top contender for the 2025 French Open title, set to begin on May 25.
Gauff’s 2025 clay season has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and near-misses. She stormed to the finals of both the Madrid and Italian Opens, showcasing her explosive forehand and relentless court coverage. In Madrid, she stunned four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek in a 6-1, 6-1 semi-final rout, only to fall to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping 3-6, 6-7(3) final. In Rome, Gauff powered past Mirra Andreeva, Emma Raducanu, and Zheng Qinwen, but home favorite Jasmine Paolini seized the title with a 6-4, 6-2 victory, capitalizing on Gauff’s 55 unforced errors. “Congrats, Jasmine, on this incredible achievement. You’re an incredible person & player. It’s always tough playing you,” Gauff said graciously during her runner-up speech, her sportsmanship shining through despite the sting of defeat.
These losses, while crushing, have not dimmed Gauff’s spark. Speaking to the WTA after her Rome final, she reflected on her performance with striking optimism: “I made the final with (lots of) errors. Made the final, maybe not playing my best tennis. It just gives me confidence if I can find that good form heading into Roland Garros, I can do well there.” This candid admission reveals a player who sees setbacks as stepping stones, a mindset honed by her meteoric rise. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion and 2024 WTA Finals winner, has a career-high No. 2 ranking and a 19-4 clay record this season, bolstered by her 2024 French Open doubles title with Katerina Siniakova.
Gauff’s clay-court affinity is no secret. “There’s something about clay that I have always felt comfortable on,” she told Tennis Channel earlier this year. “This year, more than ever, I am moving the best that I have, especially so early in the clay season.” Her spin-heavy baseline game and lightning-fast footwork thrive on the surface, where she reached the 2022 French Open singles final and won the 2018 junior title. Yet, persistent serving issues—seven double faults in the Rome final and 16 against Zheng in the semi-finals—remain a hurdle. “With the double-faults, it’s something I know I have to improve and do better,” Gauff acknowledged, signaling her commitment to refining her game under new coach Matt Daly.
The Rome final exposed Gauff’s vulnerability to unforced errors, with 55 miscues undermining her aggressive style. Tennis fans on X expressed frustration, with one writing, “Disgusting, I’m genuinely unstanning this mess. The only top 10 player giving wins to Paolini what a loser lol.” Another urged, “Gauff, if Sabalenka can fix her serve, you can fix yours too.” Yet, Gauff’s resilience shone through as she refused to dwell on the criticism. “I feel more comfortable now than ever,” she said earlier this year, emphasizing a perspective shift that prioritizes growth over perfection. “I just realize the unimportance of winning or losing a match.”
Gauff’s mental fortitude is matched by her strategic preparation. Her decision to skip Strasbourg this week to focus on recovery, including a cryogenic ice bath at -140°C, reflects her dedication to arriving in Paris at peak condition. “I think just accepting the highs and lows,” she said at Indian Wells, a mantra that has carried her through a season of triumphs and trials. Her 2025 highlights include a United Cup title and a historic 6-0, 6-0 Miami Open win, where she admitted to battling self-doubt, wishing to lose a game to ease the pressure. “This revelation comes as a reminder that even the most formidable champions grapple with moments of self-doubt,” noted a recent report.
As the French Open approaches, Gauff’s seeding perspective adds intrigue. “Seeding obviously helps when you’re seeded higher, but at these Grand Slams it helps for a first couple of rounds and when you are at the quarters and even fourth round, it’s kind of pointless because you’re playing great players,” she said, dismissing the importance of her No. 2 seed.
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