At just 21, Coco Gauff continues to etch her name into tennis history, securing the prestigious Best Tennis Player Award at the 2025 ESPY Awards for the second consecutive year. The American sensation, fresh off her triumphant French Open victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, outshone a formidable field of nominees, including Sabalenka, to claim the honor. This accolade, presented by ESPN on July 16, 2025, in Los Angeles, underscores Gauff’s meteoric rise and unwavering resilience, even as her 2025 season faced challenges. As she prepares to defend her 2023 US Open title, Gauff’s latest achievement signals her readiness to dominate the sport’s biggest stages.
Gauff’s journey to the 2025 ESPY Award was defined by her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June, where she battled back from a set down to defeat Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling final. The victory marked her as the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015, a milestone that resonated deeply with Gauff. “I never dreamt about winning a tournament before in my life and I still haven’t, and that was the only time I had a dream about winning one,” she shared on *Good Morning America*, reflecting on how she wrote down her goal to conquer Paris. Her mental fortitude shone through in the windy conditions, where she outmaneuvered Sabalenka’s power game with 40 fewer unforced errors, earning praise for her poise and adaptability. “It really came down to the last few points, but overall I’m just really happy with the fight that I managed today,” Gauff said post-match, emphasizing her grit in a contest that wasn’t always pretty but got the job done.
The ESPY win, voted on by fans and industry insiders, highlights Gauff’s growing stature both on and off the court. Her 2024 ESPY triumph followed her breakthrough US Open title in 2023, where she also bested Sabalenka in a dramatic three-setter, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. “Apparently I won an ESPY. Thank you. I am super grateful! I wish I could’ve attended! Thank you to everyone who voted,” Gauff posted on X last year, her joy palpable even through a screen. This year’s repeat victory, despite an underwhelming season by her lofty standards—marked by a fourth-round exit at the 2024 US Open to Emma Navarro—speaks to her ability to deliver in clutch moments. Her French Open triumph, coupled with finals appearances in Madrid and Rome, propelled her to a career-high No. 2 ranking, trailing only Sabalenka in the WTA standings.
The rivalry between Gauff and Sabalenka has become one of tennis’ most compelling narratives. Their 2025 French Open final, the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown in Paris since 2013, showcased their contrasting styles: Sabalenka’s raw power against Gauff’s speed and defensive brilliance. Despite Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors and post-match frustration—“It was honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in I don’t know how many months,” she admitted—she later clarified her respect for Gauff’s performance. “Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” Sabalenka posted on Instagram, acknowledging Gauff’s tactical superiority. Gauff, ever gracious, responded to the initial comments with empathy: “I was a little bit surprised about the comments and everything, but I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was an emotional day.”
As Gauff gears up for the US Open, where she aims to reclaim the title she won at 19, her ESPY recognition serves as a morale boost. Her 2024 loss to Navarro prompted introspection: “I definitely want to look at other things because I don’t want to lose matches like that anymore,” she said, signaling her determination to overcome mental hurdles. With a 6-5 head-to-head edge over Sabalenka, including 2-1 in Grand Slam finals, Gauff enters Flushing Meadows as a formidable contender, though Sabalenka remains the betting favorite for the $3 million prize. The American’s ability to inspire, evident in congratulations from figures like Barack and Michelle Obama after her French Open win, underscores her role as a beacon of hope. “There’s a lot going on in our country right now with things,” Gauff noted, aspiring to be “a reflection of hope and light” for her community.
With Wimbledon’s disappointment behind her and the US Open on the horizon, Gauff’s second ESPY Award cements her as a global star. Her journey from a 15-year-old prodigy to a two-time Grand Slam champion reflects a champion’s heart, poised to chase more historic victories.
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