At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has once again proven why she’s one of tennis’s brightest stars, storming into the second round of the 2025 French Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The world No. 2, a former Roland Garros finalist, not only showcased her clay-court prowess but also etched her name into history as the youngest American woman to achieve 21 singles wins at Roland Garros in the Open Era, surpassing legends like Serena and Venus Williams. Despite a humorous pre-match mishap involving forgotten rackets, Gauff’s performance was anything but forgettable, signaling her intent to chase her first French Open singles title and end a season-long title drought.
The match, which lasted just over an hour, was a masterclass in efficiency from Gauff. Stepping onto the clay under the Parisian sun, she initially caused a stir when she realized she’d left her rackets behind, prompting a ball boy to sprint back with her gear. “Honestly, as long as I’ve been on tour, my coach has always put the rackets in the bag before the match because he’s very superstitious,” Gauff joked afterward, blaming her coach for the mix-up. The crowd erupted in laughter as the announcer quipped, “That’s better,” when her rackets arrived. Unfazed, Gauff quickly found her rhythm, dismantling Gadecki with her trademark athleticism and heavy topspin forehand, a shot she credits for her success on clay. “I think especially with how heavy I hit on my forehand side, I definitely think it helps enhance that,” she said of her clay-court game, noting how her elite movement makes her nearly untouchable on the slow surface.
Gauff’s 21st Roland Garros singles win is a landmark achievement, placing her alongside only Chris Evert (29 wins) and Serena Williams (21 wins) among Americans in their first five tournament appearances before age 21. Her consistency on the Parisian clay is remarkable: since her debut, she has never failed to reach at least the quarterfinals in her last four visits, including a 2022 final and a 2024 semifinal, both losses to Iga Swiatek. “It was a tough feeling for me, because I felt like I very much underperformed in that final,” Gauff reflected on her 2022 defeat, admitting she was disappointed with her mental approach. Now, with a 24-8 season record and back-to-back WTA 1000 finals in Madrid and Rome, she’s determined to rewrite that narrative. Her 11-3 clay record this spring, including a stunning 6-1, 6-1 thrashing of Swiatek in Madrid, has boosted her confidence. “I think for sure it changes some things when you maybe see someone who won Roland Garros that many times not having the best results,” Gauff said, acknowledging Swiatek’s recent struggles while respecting her four-time champion status.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Gauff’s second-round opponent will be either France’s Chloe Paquet or Tereza Valentova, but a potential quarterfinal clash with Swiatek looms large. Swiatek, despite slipping to No. 5 after a doping suspension and early losses in 2025, remains the clay-court queen, having defeated Gauff in their last three Roland Garros encounters. Yet, Gauff’s recent victory over Swiatek in Madrid and her improved serve, refined with coach Matt Daly, suggest she’s closing the gap. “I’m lucky to have trained on clay since I was 10, which is not common for Americans,” Gauff noted, crediting her early exposure for her comfort on the surface. Her 2024 French Open doubles title with Katerina Siniakova, where they outplayed Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini 7-6(5), 6-3, further underscores her versatility.
Gauff’s ambition burns brighter than ever. “I have a lot of unfinished business there,” she said of Roland Garros, driven by her 2022 final loss. With Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini also in contention, Gauff’s speed, enhanced forehand, and mental resilience—honed since her 2018 junior title in Paris—make her a formidable contender. As she navigates the tournament, her racket gaffe will fade into a charming anecdote, overshadowed by her relentless pursuit of the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen.
# Coco Gauff’s Historic Roland Garros Win and Title Chase
## A Dominant Start
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old world No. 2, launched her 2025 French Open campaign with a 6-2, 6-2 rout of Olivia Gadecki on May 27, achieving her 21st Roland Garros singles win—a record for the youngest American woman in the Open Era, surpassing Serena and Venus Williams. Despite forgetting her rackets, prompting a ball boy’s sprint, Gauff was unfazed. “Honestly, as long as I’ve been on tour, my coach has always put the rackets in the bag before the match because he’s very superstitious,” she joked.
## Historic Feat
Gauff’s 21 wins in her first five Roland Garros appearances place her alongside Chris Evert (29) and Serena Williams (21) among Americans before age 21. Her consistency is unmatched, with quarterfinal-or-better finishes in her last four visits, including a 2022 final and 2024 semifinal. “It was a tough feeling for me, because I felt like I very much underperformed in that final,” she said of 2022, fueling her drive for the title.
## Clay-Court Prowess
Gauff’s 11-3 clay record this season, including finals in Madrid and Rome, highlights her growth. Her 6-1, 6-1 Madrid win over Iga Swiatek broke a mental barrier. “I think for sure it changes some things when you maybe see someone who won Roland Garros that many times not having the best results,” she noted. Her forehand and movement shine on clay: “I think especially with how heavy I hit on my forehand side, I definitely think it helps enhance that.”
## The Swiatek Challenge
A potential quarterfinal against Swiatek, who defeated Gauff in 2022, 2023, and 2024 at Roland Garros, looms. Yet, Swiatek’s No. 5 ranking and recent losses offer hope. Gauff’s 2024 doubles title with Katerina Siniakova and refined serve under coach Matt Daly bolster her chances. “I’m lucky to have trained on clay since I was 10,” she said, crediting her early start.
## Title Ambitions
With a 24-8 season record and a 2023 US Open title, Gauff eyes her first French Open crown. “I have a lot of unfinished business there,” she said, motivated by past losses. Facing Chloe Paquet or Tereza Valentova next, Gauff’s speed, topspin, and resilience make her a top contender to challenge Sabalenka, Paolini, and Swiatek for the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen.
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