As the clay courts of Roland Garros prepare to host the 2025 French Open, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. Among the top contenders, Coco Gauff, the dynamic American star, is drawing significant attention. Former ATP professional and respected tennis commentator Steve Johnson recently shared his insights on whether Gauff has what it takes to claim the coveted title, especially against formidable rivals like World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Iga Swiatek. With the tournament set to unfold from May 25 to June 8, 2025, Johnson’s analysis offers a compelling look at Gauff’s prospects.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 3, has been a force to reckon with this season. Her recent performances, particularly on clay, have showcased her growth as a player. Johnson believes Gauff’s newfound confidence and tactical evolution could make her a serious threat in Paris. “Coco’s game has totally changed the dynamic in her rivalry with Iga Swiatek,” Johnson remarked. “She’s coming for the top spot this year, and I wouldn’t count her out at Roland Garros.” This optimism stems from Gauff’s remarkable turnaround after a challenging 2024, where she struggled with serving issues but rebounded with stunning victories, including a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Swiatek in the Madrid Open semifinals.
That Madrid performance was a statement. Gauff, who had never beaten Swiatek on clay before, displayed aggression and precision, dropping just two points on her first serve and winning 11 consecutive games. “I was aggressive and played with margin,” Gauff said post-match, acknowledging that Swiatek may not have been at her peak but emphasizing her own strategic execution. This victory, coupled with her triumphs over Swiatek at the WTA Finals and United Cup, signals a shift in their rivalry, which Swiatek once dominated with an 11-1 record. Now, Gauff has won three of their last four encounters, a trend that Johnson sees as a psychological edge heading into the French Open.
However, the path to the title is far from straightforward. Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning World No. 1, is a powerhouse with a relentless baseline game. Fresh off her third Madrid Open title, where she defeated Gauff in a gripping 6-3, 7-6(3) final, Sabalenka is brimming with confidence. Her ability to overpower opponents, as seen in her victory over Elina Svitolina in Madrid, makes her a formidable obstacle. Johnson acknowledges Sabalenka’s consistency, noting that she’s reached the final in six of seven tournaments this year. “Sabalenka’s a buzzsaw when she’s on,” he said. “Coco will need to match her power and stay sharp defensively to compete.”
Then there’s Iga Swiatek, the clay-court queen with four French Open titles. Despite her Madrid setback, Swiatek remains the favorite, given her 20-match winning streak at Roland Garros. Johnson points out that Swiatek’s struggles this season—failing to reach a final and dealing with off-court challenges like a doping scandal and a coaching change—could open the door for Gauff. “Iga’s vulnerable right now,” Johnson observed. “If Coco can exploit that, she’s got a real shot.” Swiatek herself admitted her Madrid performance was subpar, saying, “I didn’t move well. I wasn’t ready to play back the shots with heaviness.”
Gauff’s clay-court pedigree adds to her case. Having trained at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France, she’s comfortable on the surface, reaching the French Open final in 2022 and the semifinals in 2024. Her defensive prowess, combined with an increasingly aggressive forehand, makes her a versatile threat. Johnson highlights her mental growth as key: “Coco’s belief is unshakable now. She knows she’s one of the best, and that’s half the battle.” Gauff echoed this sentiment after her United Cup win over Swiatek, stating, “I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world, and when I play good tennis, I’m hard to beat.”
The French Open draw, featuring other contenders like Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and rising star Mirra Andreeva, will test Gauff’s mettle. Sabalenka’s power and Swiatek’s clay-court dominance remain daunting, but Johnson believes Gauff’s recent form gives her an edge. “If Coco brings her Madrid-level game to Paris, she can absolutely win it,” he concluded. As Roland Garros approaches, all eyes will be on Gauff to see if she can seize this moment and etch her name into French Open history.
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