In a thrilling climax to the 2025 French Open women’s singles championship, Coco Gauff emerged victorious over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster three-set battle on June 7, 2025, at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old American, ranked No. 2, claimed her second Grand Slam title with a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory, becoming the first American woman to win the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Serena Williams in 2015. For Sabalenka, the defeat was a bitter pill, as she described it as “the worst final I ever played,” lamenting her error-strewn performance under challenging conditions.
The match, played on a windy Court Philippe-Chatrier, was a test of mental fortitude and adaptability. Sabalenka, known for her ferocious power and commanding presence, started strongly, racing to a 4-1 lead with deft drop shots and booming serves. Gauff, however, showcased her trademark resilience, clawing back to force a tiebreak. Despite Sabalenka’s 7-5 tiebreak win to claim the first set, her game unraveled as the match progressed. “It was honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in I don’t know how many months,” Sabalenka said post-match, her frustration palpable as she cited 70 unforced errors, the highest in any women’s singles match at this year’s tournament.
Gauff, by contrast, remained composed, her defensive prowess and court coverage turning the tide. “I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago,” Gauff reflected, referencing her 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek. “I’m just glad to be back here. I was going through a lot of dark thoughts.” Her ability to stay calm under pressure was evident in the second set, where she capitalized on Sabalenka’s mounting errors to level the match at 6-2. The deciding set saw both players trade breaks, but Gauff’s consistency prevailed. On her second match point, Sabalenka’s backhand sailed long, prompting Gauff to collapse onto the clay in tears of joy.
The emotional weight of the victory was clear as Gauff celebrated with her family, including parents Candi and Corey, who danced in the stands. “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” Gauff admitted, quoting rapper Tyler, the Creator: “If I ever told you that I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.” She also acknowledged the French crowd’s support, saying, “The crowd really helped me today, you guys were cheering for me so hard.” Her win marked a historic moment, as she became the youngest woman to reach finals in Madrid, Rome, and Paris in the same year, underscoring her growing dominance on clay.
Sabalenka, visibly emotional, struggled to process the loss. “This hurts so much,” she said, tears welling as she congratulated Gauff: “Coco, you were a better player than me.” She attributed her struggles to the gusty conditions and Gauff’s relentless defense, which forced her into uncharacteristic mistakes. “Honestly, sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court,” Sabalenka remarked, adding a touch of humor to her frustration. Her comments sparked a response from Gauff, who diplomatically disagreed with Sabalenka’s claim that Iga Swiatek would have beaten her in the final. “I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen,” Gauff countered.
The final was a rematch of their 2023 US Open clash, where Gauff also came from a set down to defeat Sabalenka. Their rivalry, now tied at 5-5, has produced dramatic encounters, with half their matches going to three sets. Sabalenka’s power game, enhanced by newfound variety like drop shots, met its match in Gauff’s speed and mental toughness. Despite her disappointment, Sabalenka remains a formidable force, having reached seven finals in 2025 and boasting a 40-7 win-loss record. Looking ahead, she plans a brief escape to Mykonos, joking about indulging in “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming” to recharge before Wimbledon.
For Gauff, the victory solidifies her status as a Grand Slam champion and a cultural figure. “I hope to be a reflection of hope and light for people that look like me in America,” she said, addressing broader social challenges. With endorsements surpassing $25 million in 2024, Gauff’s star continues to rise, while Sabalenka, despite her No. 1 ranking, seeks to close the gap in off-court prominence. As both players head to the grass courts, their rivalry promises more epic battles, with Gauff’s French Open triumph setting the stage for a thrilling summer.
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