In the electrifying world of professional tennis, few stories resonate as powerfully as Coco Gauff’s meteoric rise. At just 21, the American sensation claimed her second Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros 2025, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 battle. The victory marked a pinnacle in Gauff’s career, cementing her as a global tennis icon and the first American woman to win the French Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2015. For Caty McNally, Gauff’s former doubles partner and longtime friend, watching this triumph unfold was nothing short of “inspiring.” This single word, uttered by McNally, encapsulates the profound impact of Gauff’s achievement, not only on her but on the broader landscape of American tennis.
McNally and Gauff’s shared history traces back to their junior days, where their partnership blossomed into a formidable force. Together, they clinched five doubles titles, including the 2018 Roland Garros girls’ championship, a victory that foreshadowed Gauff’s future dominance on the Parisian clay. Their journey began even earlier, with a memorable clash in the 2018 junior final at Roland Garros, where a 14-year-old Gauff rallied from a set down to defeat McNally 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(1), securing her path to junior world No. 1. Those early battles forged a bond of mutual respect, with McNally now reflecting on Gauff’s 2025 triumph as a moment that reignites her own aspirations. “It’s been extremely inspiring,” McNally said, her voice carrying the weight of admiration for her compatriot’s success. “Madi won Australia, Coco won the French, Amanda being in the finals of Wimbledon. I think it just shows the depth of US tennis.”
Gauff’s Roland Garros victory was a masterclass in resilience. Facing a formidable Sabalenka, who started the match with a commanding double break, Gauff refused to falter. The blustery conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier challenged both players, leading to 12 service breaks in a match that was as much a test of mental fortitude as technical skill. Gauff’s ability to adapt, landing 63% of her first serves and capitalizing on Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors, turned the tide. “I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago,” Gauff reflected, alluding to her 2022 Roland Garros final loss to Iga Swiatek. “I’m just glad to be back here. I was going through a lot of dark thoughts.” Her victory, sealed with a backhand that forced Sabalenka’s shot wide, was a testament to her growth since that tearful defeat, transforming heartache into triumph.
For McNally, Gauff’s success is a beacon of possibility. While Gauff has soared to world No. 2, McNally has faced her own challenges, including a recovery from surgery that sidelined her progress. Yet, her recent victory at the WTA 125 tournament in Newport, Rhode Island, and her climb to world No. 135 signal a resurgence. McNally’s lone set against Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek this year further underscores her potential. “There are just so many girls that are so good from the States,” McNally noted, highlighting the competitive depth of American women’s tennis. “For me, it’s just continue to put my head down, keep working, and I think eventually my time will come.”
The broader context of American tennis amplifies the significance of Gauff’s achievement. Alongside Madison Keys’ Australian Open win and Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon final appearance, Gauff’s Roland Garros title underscores a golden era for U.S. players. McNally, who once shared the court with Gauff in high-stakes junior and professional matches, sees this as a collective triumph. Their past collaborations, including doubles titles at Washington, D.C., and Luxembourg in 2019, and a runner-up finish at the 2021 US Open, highlight a shared journey that continues to inspire. Gauff’s ability to balance singles and doubles success—she won the 2024 Roland Garros doubles title with Katerina Siniakova—further showcases her versatility, a trait McNally admires from afar.
Gauff’s victory also carries cultural weight. As a role model, she embraces the responsibility of inspiring the next generation, much like her idol Serena Williams. “My biggest goal would be to have someone start to play professional tennis because of me,” Gauff said, reflecting on her platform’s impact. Her emotional maturity, praised by former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki as “so much more mature than a 21-year-old,” shone through in Paris, where she navigated a hostile crowd and a fierce opponent with poise. McNally’s one-word reaction—“inspiring”—captures not just Gauff’s on-court brilliance but her ability to uplift those around her, including former partners now carving their own paths.
As Gauff basks in the glow of her second Grand Slam title, McNally’s journey continues with renewed vigor. The American tennis landscape, enriched by Gauff’s triumph, is a testament to perseverance and camaraderie. For McNally, watching her former partner hoist the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen was a moment of pride and motivation, a reminder that hard work and belief can lead to greatness. As both players look ahead to the hard-court season, their shared history and individual aspirations promise to keep American tennis in the global spotlight.
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