In a thrilling showdown at the 2025 French Open, Coco Gauff clinched her first Roland Garros title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in an epic three-set battle, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. The victory marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 US Open win, and solidified her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars at just 21 years old. As the dust settled on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff’s father, Corey, revealed the critical advice he imparted to his daughter moments before the match, offering insight into the mindset that powered her stunning comeback against a formidable opponent.
The final was a rollercoaster, with gusty winds and intermittent drizzle creating challenging conditions that tested both players’ resilience. Sabalenka, known for her explosive power and aggressive playstyle, stormed to a 4-1 double-break lead in the first set, putting Gauff on the ropes early. But Gauff, renowned for her relentless defense and supreme athleticism, refused to buckle. “What she has always shown us is an incredible ability to fight,” Corey Gauff said, reflecting on his daughter’s performance. “She never gives up, no matter what the scoreline.” His words underscored the tenacity that has defined Coco’s career, a quality that shone through as she battled back to force a tiebreak in the opening set, though Sabalenka ultimately claimed it 7-5.
Corey’s pre-match advice to Coco was both strategic and motivational, tailored to exploit Sabalenka’s aggressive tendencies. “Before the match, I told her, ‘She is going to give you opportunities, you have to seize these opportunities and make every tough point as tough as you can,’” he shared. He emphasized Coco’s exceptional court coverage, noting, “By the end of the match, those points will start to take a toll, and she will start to miss because you cover the court so well.” This game plan proved prophetic. As the match progressed, Sabalenka’s frustration mounted, with her unforced errors climbing to a staggering 70, the highest in any women’s singles match at the tournament. Gauff’s relentless retrieval and composure in the face of Sabalenka’s barrage allowed her to capitalize on those mistakes, turning the tide in the second and third sets.
The second set saw Gauff take control, cruising to a 6-2 victory as Sabalenka’s game unraveled under the windy conditions. “It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind,” Gauff said, acknowledging the challenging environment. “I knew it was going to be about willpower and mental strength.” Her ability to stay calm and adapt contrasted sharply with Sabalenka’s visible frustration, as the Belarusian shouted at her team and struggled to maintain consistency. In the decisive third set, Gauff broke early to lead 2-1, only for Sabalenka to fight back and level the score at 3-3. But Gauff’s resolve held firm, and after surviving a break point in the final game, she sealed the victory when Sabalenka’s backhand sailed wide, collapsing to the clay in a mix of joy and disbelief.
Gauff’s mother, Candi, also shared her pride in Coco’s mental fortitude. “What I saw mainly was her ability to stay mentally engaged in the match and stay focused, just believing in herself,” she told reporters. “It’s kind of tough in a championship round, but she put it all together.” The victory was especially poignant for Gauff, who had endured a painful loss to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 French Open final at age 18. “I was going through a lot of dark thoughts,” she recalled, referencing that defeat. “I’m just glad to be back here. I guess I got the most important win.”
The match, which lasted 2 hours and 38 minutes, was a testament to Gauff’s growth as a player and a person. Her ability to outlast Sabalenka, who had defeated Swiatek in the semifinals to end the Pole’s 26-match Roland Garros winning streak, underscored her readiness to compete at the highest level. Sabalenka, gracious despite her disappointment, acknowledged Gauff’s superiority in the conditions. “Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” she later posted on social media, retracting earlier comments that had sparked controversy. Gauff, ever poised, dismissed any tension, saying, “I don’t agree with that,” when addressing Sabalenka’s initial claim that her errors, not Gauff’s play, decided the match.
As Gauff celebrated with her family and celebrity fans like Spike Lee, her victory resonated beyond the court. “I hope I can be a reflection of hope and light for people that look like me in America,” she said, highlighting her role as an inspiration. With her second Grand Slam title secured, Gauff now sets her sights on Wimbledon, where her speed and resilience could make her a formidable contender. For now, the tennis world celebrates a champion whose fight, fueled by her father’s wisdom, has once again proven unstoppable.
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