On June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff etched her name into tennis history, clinching her first French Open title in a dramatic three-set battle against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old American, ranked No. 2, fought back from a set down to triumph 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a match that captivated fans with its intensity and momentum swings. The victory marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 US Open win—also against Sabalenka—and made her the first American woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Serena Williams in 2015. However, the post-match narrative was dominated by Sabalenka’s raw frustration, as she described Gauff’s shots as “magically” landing in, sparking a heated discussion about the match’s defining moments.
The final, played under gusty conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier, was a test of mental and physical endurance. Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and commanding presence, surged to a 4-1 lead in the first set, her drop shots and heavy hitting overwhelming Gauff early on. Yet, Gauff’s resilience shone through as she clawed back, forcing a tiebreak. Despite Sabalenka’s composure to win it 7-5, her game unraveled in the second set, where Gauff capitalized on 70 unforced errors—Sabalenka’s highest in any women’s singles match at this year’s tournament. “I was going through a lot of dark thoughts,” Gauff admitted, reflecting on her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek. “I’m just glad to be back here. I guess I got the most important win.”
Sabalenka’s frustration was palpable as the match wore on. The wind, which swirled unpredictably, disrupted her rhythm, and she struggled to adjust. “She was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow, magically, the ball lands in the court,” Sabalenka said in a candid press conference, her voice tinged with exasperation. “It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was there laughing, like, ‘Let’s see if you can handle this.’” She attributed her loss to her own “terrible” performance, calling it “the worst final I ever played,” and suggested that Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, would have beaten Gauff. “I think she would go out today and get the win,” Sabalenka claimed, a remark that stirred controversy.
Gauff, poised and gracious, responded with clarity. “I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m here sitting here [with the trophy],” she said, standing beside the French Open trophy. “No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her, I won in straight sets. I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.” Gauff’s ability to handle the windy conditions was a decisive factor. While Sabalenka hesitated before serves, visibly rattled by gusts, Gauff played high-margin tennis, using her speed and defensive prowess to chase down balls. “It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind,” Gauff noted. “I knew it was just going to be about willpower and mental. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done.”
The third set was a rollercoaster, with Gauff breaking for a 2-1 lead after a dazzling rally that ended with her intercepting Sabalenka’s between-the-legs shot at the net. Sabalenka, shouting at her box in frustration, broke back to level at 3-3, but Gauff’s composure prevailed. She secured another break at love and served out the match, collapsing onto the clay in tears of joy as Sabalenka’s final forehand sailed wide. “I want to congratulate Aryna, you deserve all the results that you have,” Gauff said, praising her opponent’s fight. The victory, sealed after 2 hours and 38 minutes, underscored Gauff’s growth since her 2022 final loss, when she sobbed under a towel. Now, at 21, she’s a two-time Grand Slam champion with a 10-3 record in finals.
Sabalenka, despite her disappointment, remains a force. Her 40-7 record in 2025 and three Grand Slam titles highlight her dominance, but the loss stung. “This hurts so much,” she said, vowing to recharge in Mykonos with “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming.” Gauff, meanwhile, celebrated her historic win, becoming the third Black woman to win in Paris, joining Williams and Althea Gibson. “I’m proud to represent Americans who look like me,” she told reporters, hoping to inspire as a “reflection of hope and light.” As she prepares for Wimbledon, Gauff’s triumph on clay cements her as a rising star, while Sabalenka’s raw honesty underscores the emotional stakes of their rivalry.
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