Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, stepped off the plane in New York City with a radiant smile, her carry-on bag cradling a small but significant keepsake: a miniature replica of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, the trophy she earned after her thrilling victory at the 2025 French Open. The young star, who became the first American woman to claim the prestigious clay-court title since Serena Williams in 2015, shared her heartfelt first wish upon returning home—a moment to savor the triumph and reconnect with the city that has long been a cornerstone of her journey.
Gauff’s victory in Paris was a testament to her resilience and growth as a player. Facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping final, she battled through a rollercoaster match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes, ultimately prevailing 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. The contest was a showcase of Gauff’s trademark tenacity, as she overcame a first-set deficit and navigated challenging windy conditions on the Roland Garros clay. “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” Gauff admitted on court after accepting the trophy from four-time champion Justine Henin. “But I’d like to quote American rap star Tyler the Creator, who said: ‘If I ever told you that I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.’” Her words reflected the confidence that has propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport, even as she faced self-doubt in the past.
Upon arriving in New York, Gauff’s first wish was simple yet poignant: to share her victory with the people who have supported her journey, particularly those in the American tennis community and fans who see her as a beacon of hope. “There’s a lot going on in our country right now,” she said, alluding to broader societal challenges. “Just to be able to be a representation of that and a reflection of hope and light for those people who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period.” Her words resonated deeply, underscoring her role not only as a champion but as a cultural figure for a new generation.
The French Open triumph marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 U.S. Open victory—also against Sabalenka. The parallels between the two finals were striking: in both, Gauff dropped the first set but relied on her speed, defensive prowess, and mental fortitude to turn the tide. In Paris, Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors contrasted sharply with Gauff’s composed performance, as the American capitalized on her opponent’s frustration under the gusty conditions. “I had to force her to play that way and make a lot of balls and put those balls in the court,” Gauff said, acknowledging her strategic approach to the match.
Gauff’s journey to this moment was not without its challenges. Three years ago, she reached the French Open final as an 18-year-old, only to fall to Iga Swiatek in straight sets. The loss left her grappling with doubt, as she later shared: “Losing in the finals here three years ago had created a lot of doubt in my head. I thought I could never overcome the pressure; I thought holding this trophy would never happen.” Yet, her perseverance paid off. After a productive clay-court season, including final appearances in Madrid and Rome, Gauff arrived in Paris with renewed confidence, storming through the draw and dropping just one set en route to the final.
As she walked through New York’s bustling streets, the miniature trophy in her bag served as a reminder of her achievement. Gauff explained on a morning talk show that the replica, small enough to fit in her carry-on, was a cherished keepsake, as the original Coupe Suzanne Lenglen remains in Paris. “Most tournaments will have the original that they keep with them, and then they give you a replica,” she said with a laugh. “And I didn’t know it was going to be as small as it is.” The lighthearted moment highlighted her ability to find joy in the small details, even after achieving such a monumental feat.
Looking ahead, Gauff’s sights are set on Wimbledon, where she first captured the world’s attention at 15 by defeating Venus Williams and reaching the fourth round. “The main piece of advice everyone’s told me is to take it in and soak it in, and then when it’s time to get back to work, get back to work,” she said, already focused on the grass-court season starting June 30. Her ambition remains as bold as ever, rooted in a childhood dream she once wrote down: to win the French Open. “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. “So I wrote it down and instilled it in my head.”
Gauff’s return to New York was not just a homecoming but a celebration of her evolution from a teenage prodigy to a two-time Grand Slam champion. As she prepares for the U.S. Open, where she’ll defend her 2023 title, the city’s energy will undoubtedly fuel her drive. With her infectious optimism and unrelenting work ethic, Gauff is poised to continue her ascent, inspiring fans both on and off the court.
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