On June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff etched her name into tennis history by clinching her first French Open title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old American staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a tense first-set tiebreak loss to win 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes. This victory marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 US Open triumph, and made her the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. The win was not just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal one, reflecting Gauff’s resilience, mental fortitude, and the unwavering support of her family—though not without a lighthearted sibling moment that captured attention post-match.
Gauff’s journey to the 2025 French Open title was a testament to her growth as a player and person. After a challenging start to the season, including early losses in the Middle East and a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, she found her stride on the clay courts. She reached finals in Madrid and Rome, falling to Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, respectively, before conquering Roland Garros. Her path to the final included victories over formidable opponents like Madison Keys and French wildcard Lois Boisson, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. Against Sabalenka, Gauff’s aggressive returns, blistering speed, and improved forehand—once a noted weakness—proved decisive. She broke Sabalenka’s serve multiple times, capitalizing on unforced errors and maintaining composure in a dramatic final game that swung between match and break points.
In the post-match press conference, Gauff’s candid and heartfelt remarks revealed the emotional weight of her victory. Reflecting on the political climate in the United States following Donald Trump’s election, she spoke of her pride in representing her country and serving as a beacon of hope for those who feel marginalized. “Obviously there’s a lot going on in our country right now with things … like, everything, yeah,” she said. “But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don’t feel as supported during this time period … just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.” Her words underscored her broader mission to use her platform for positive impact, a recurring theme in her career as a Black American athlete striving to “change the world” with her racket.
Amid the celebration, a humorous anecdote about her younger brother Codey stole the spotlight. Gauff revealed she chose not to call Codey immediately after her win, wary of a repeat of a past snub. Recalling the 2023 US Open, where Codey failed to answer her FaceTime call after her victory, she quipped, “I don’t want to get ignored again.” This lighthearted comment highlighted the close-knit yet playful dynamic between the siblings. Codey, a 17-year-old aspiring baseball player set to join the Missouri Tigers, has been a source of inspiration for Gauff. She credits him with teaching her to approach Grand Slams with a unique mindset, advising her to “pretend you have to win three sets instead of two” to ease pressure. This mental trick, she explained, helped her stay relaxed during tense moments, contributing to her success in New York and now Paris.
Gauff’s family has been a cornerstone of her journey. Her parents, Corey and Candi, both former athletes, have sacrificed much to support her career, often traveling with her to tournaments. Her younger brothers, Codey and Cameron, keep her grounded, with Cameron’s joyful spirit reminding her to find happiness in her pursuits. “My brothers are the reason why I [pursue tennis at a high level],” Gauff told interviewers, emphasizing their role in her drive. The family’s presence in the stands during the final, with her father pumping his fist and her mother jumping for joy, was a poignant moment of shared triumph. Gauff’s emotional celebration—collapsing on the clay, hugging Sabalenka, and even sharing a moment with film director Spike Lee—reflected the magnitude of her achievement.
The victory was not without its challenges. Gauff admitted to battling self-doubt, particularly after her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek, which left her in tears and questioning her ability to handle pressure. Inspired by Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas, Gauff adopted a manifestation technique, writing “I will be the French Open champion 2025” repeatedly the night before the final. This mental preparation, combined with technical adjustments under coaches Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel, transformed her game. Her forehand, now a weapon with heavy topspin, and a more aggressive serve stance were pivotal in her clay-court dominance.
As Gauff looks ahead to Wimbledon, she carries the confidence of a two-time Grand Slam champion and the perspective of a 21-year-old who sees tennis as both a passion and a platform. “I think 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. For now, she savors the memories of Paris—not just the trophy, but the journey, the family support, and even the playful sibling rivalry that keeps her grounded.
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