In a thrilling display of tennis prowess, the 2025 French Open women’s singles final is set to feature a clash of titans as world No. 2 Coco Gauff takes on world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, June 7, at Roland Garros. Gauff secured her spot in her second French Open final with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over French wildcard Lois Boisson, ending the home crowd’s hopes for a fairytale ending. Meanwhile, Sabalenka powered past four-time champion Iga Świątek in a gripping 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 semifinal, halting Świątek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros and earning her first-ever final appearance on the Parisian clay.
Gauff, the 21-year-old American phenom, showcased her dominance against Boisson, a 22-year-old wildcard ranked No. 361, whose improbable run captivated French fans. Boisson, making her Grand Slam main-draw debut after recovering from a torn ACL, had stunned the tennis world by defeating three top-10 players to reach the semifinals. However, Gauff’s precision and relentless pressure proved too much. From the outset, Gauff silenced the partisan crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, seizing a 4-0 lead by winning 20 of the first 30 points. Her pinpoint accuracy was evident as she claimed 34 of the 51 points in rallies lasting five or more strokes, finishing the match in just over an hour with only 15 unforced errors compared to Boisson’s 33. “It’s always the plan to try to start strong, but I knew it was important today,” Gauff said post-match, acknowledging Boisson’s remarkable journey. “Lois is obviously an incredible player.”
Boisson’s run, though halted, was nothing short of historic. As the lowest-ranked semifinalist at Roland Garros in at least 40 years, she earned a standing ovation as she left the court, her head in her hands but her name now etched in tennis lore. Her performance, buoyed by a game suited for clay and fueled by the home crowd, has propelled her to around No. 60 in the world rankings, ensuring her presence at future top tournaments.
On the other side of the draw, Sabalenka’s victory over Świątek was a statement of her growing dominance. The Belarusian, known for her thunderous groundstrokes, overwhelmed the defending champion in a match that swung dramatically. After a tight first set decided by a one-sided tiebreak, Świątek fought back to level the match. But Sabalenka’s relentless power in the decider, where she won 19 of the final 21 points, left no doubt about her readiness for the final. “Iga is the toughest opponent, especially at Roland Garros,” Sabalenka said. “I’m proud I managed to get this win.” Her performance, marked by zero unforced errors in the third set, sets the stage for her pursuit of a fourth Grand Slam title and her first on clay.
The final promises to be a blockbuster, pitting the top two seeds against each other in only the second No. 1 vs. No. 2 women’s final at Roland Garros in the last 30 years. It’s also a rematch of the 2023 US Open final, where Gauff triumphed 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to claim her first major title at 19. Their head-to-head stands at an even 5-5, though Sabalenka has won three of their last four encounters, including a straight-sets victory on clay at the Madrid Open last month. Sabalenka’s aggressive style, particularly her ability to exploit Gauff’s second serve and push her behind the baseline, poses a significant challenge. Yet Gauff, now more seasoned than in her 2022 Roland Garros final loss to Świątek, exudes confidence. “My first final here, I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened,” she reflected. “Obviously here I have a lot more confidence just from playing a Grand Slam final before.”
Gauff’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience, notably her comeback from a set down against Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Dropping just one set en route to the final, she’s shown improved control, with only two double faults against Boisson. Sabalenka, meanwhile, is riding the momentum of her victory over Świątek and her quest to add the French Open to her two Australian Open titles and one US Open crown. “I have to fight and bring my best tennis,” Sabalenka said, anticipating the challenge. “I’m ready to do everything it’s going to take to get the win.”
Off the court, both players are navigating significant business ventures. Gauff recently launched a joint venture with IMG to build her brand, aiming to emulate stars like Serena Williams. Sabalenka, having parted ways with her longtime agent at IMG, is seeking new representation to boost her global profile. A French Open title would amplify their ambitions both on and off the court.
As the tennis world awaits Saturday’s showdown, the stage is set for a new champion to be crowned at Roland Garros. Will Gauff’s defensive prowess and newfound composure prevail, or will Sabalenka’s raw power claim her maiden clay-court major? One thing is certain: Court Philippe-Chatrier will host an electrifying battle for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.
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