On June 8, 2025, Coco Gauff etched her name deeper into tennis history by clinching her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 comeback. The 21-year-old American, already a US Open champion, became the first American woman to conquer the Parisian clay since Serena Williams in 2015. But it was her post-match antics—both triumphant and hilariously human—that stole the spotlight, as she shared a lighthearted moment with the Roland Garros ball kids and later revealed why she believes post-tournament partying should be “illegal” after a comical champagne mishap.
The final was a rollercoaster, with Gauff overcoming a first-set deficit and Sabalenka’s ferocious power to claim the $2.9 million prize. As Sabalenka’s final backhand sailed wide, Gauff collapsed onto the clay, tears streaming down her face. “I was in a dark place after losing here in 2022,” she said during her on-court speech, referencing her defeat to Iga Świątek in her first Grand Slam final at age 18. “To come back and win means everything.” She hugged Sabalenka warmly at the net, thanked the roaring Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd, and paid tribute to her parents for “washing my clothes to keeping me grounded and giving me the belief that I can do it.”
The celebration took a wholesome turn when Gauff invited the tournament’s ball kids to join her in the players’ box, a gesture that echoed her earlier Roland Garros heroics. “They work so hard, and I wanted them to share this moment,” she said, as the youngsters beamed alongside her, waving to the fans. But the real comedy unfolded during an on-set interview with TNT Sports, where Gauff, still buzzing from her victory, faced her first-ever attempt at popping a champagne bottle. “This is not going to go well since I haven’t eaten anything since the fruit on court,” she quipped, her voice tinged with playful dread. As the cork flew and bubbly sprayed, Gauff took a sip, grimaced, and declared, “I’m emotional, dehydrated, starving—partying after winning tournaments should be illegal!” The studio erupted in laughter, and the moment quickly went viral, showcasing Gauff’s infectious charm.
Gauff’s tongue-in-cheek remark belied the physical and emotional toll of her triumph. The five-hour final, played under Paris’s June sun, left her visibly drained yet elated. “I didn’t expect to feel this exhausted,” she admitted, explaining how the adrenaline of victory often masks the body’s limits until the celebration begins. Her comment about partying being “illegal” was a nod to the grueling reality of professional tennis, where players push their bodies to the brink, leaving little energy for revelry. “You want to celebrate, but your body’s like, ‘Please, just water and a nap,’” she joked, endearing herself further to fans who admire her relatability.
This victory capped a resurgent clay season for Gauff, who had faced early struggles in 2025. After a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open and first-round losses in Qatar and Dubai, she rediscovered her form in Madrid, reaching the final before falling to Sabalenka. Her Roland Garros run, which included a doubles title alongside Kateřina Siniaková, showcased her versatility and grit. “Winning here feels like redemption,” she said, reflecting on her journey from teenage prodigy to seasoned champion. At 21, Gauff has now earned nearly $30 million in prize money and holds a net worth estimated at $35 million, bolstered by endorsements with New Balance, Barilla, and Bose.
Off the court, Gauff’s humility shines. She thanked the Parisian fans, who cheered her relentlessly, and praised Sabalenka’s sportsmanship. “Aryna’s a fighter, and I know we’ll have more battles,” she said, alluding to their 2023 US Open final, where Gauff also prevailed. Her ability to balance fierce competition with grace has drawn comparisons to Serena Williams, though Gauff remains focused on carving her own path. “I just want to play my game and inspire the next generation,” she said, a nod to her role as a trailblazer for young athletes, particularly Black women in tennis.
The champagne moment, while humorous, highlighted Gauff’s grounded perspective. “I’m not a big partier,” she later clarified. “I’d rather celebrate with my team, maybe some pasta, and get ready for the next challenge.” Her love for simple pleasures—like penne over spaghetti to avoid pre-match sauce spills—adds to her everyman appeal. As she prepares for Wimbledon and the Olympics, where she hopes to medal, Gauff’s Roland Garros triumph and playful post-match antics have cemented her as a global star. From clay-stained tears to champagne-soaked laughter, she’s proving that greatness comes with both grit and a good sense of humor.
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