The 2025 French Open women’s final on June 7, 2025, delivered a gripping spectacle as Coco Gauff outlasted world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set clash, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, to claim her second Grand Slam title. The match, played under swirling winds on Court Philippe-Chatrier, showcased Gauff’s resilience and Sabalenka’s raw power, but it was the American’s mental fortitude that sealed the victory. For Sabalenka, the loss was a devastating blow, leaving her in tears as she described it as “the worst final I ever played,” haunted by 70 unforced errors that marred her performance.
From the outset, the match promised intensity. Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse, surged to a 4-1 lead in the first set, blending her trademark aggression with clever drop shots. Gauff, however, refused to buckle. The 21-year-old American, ranked No. 2, fought back to force a tiebreak, which Sabalenka clinched 7-5 after a tense exchange. But the momentum shifted in the second set as Sabalenka’s errors mounted under the tricky conditions. “It was honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in I don’t know how many months,” Sabalenka admitted post-match, her voice heavy with disappointment. Gauff, capitalizing on her opponent’s struggles, dominated the second set 6-2, leveling the match with her relentless defense.
The deciding set was a rollercoaster, with both players trading breaks in a battle of nerves. Gauff’s speed and court coverage frustrated Sabalenka, who struggled to find her rhythm. “Honestly, sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court,” Sabalenka said, a wry smile masking her frustration. On Gauff’s second match point, Sabalenka’s backhand sailed long, and the American collapsed onto the clay in tears, overwhelmed by the moment. “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” Gauff confessed, quoting rapper Tyler, the Creator: “If I ever told you that I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.”
Gauff’s victory marked her as the first American woman to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015. Reflecting on her 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek, she shared, “I was going through a lot of dark thoughts. I’m just glad to be back here.” The French crowd, vocal throughout, played a key role. “The crowd really helped me today, you guys were cheering for me so hard,” Gauff said, her gratitude evident as she celebrated with her family, including parents Candi and Corey, who danced joyfully in the stands.
Sabalenka, visibly emotional, struggled to hold back tears as she addressed the crowd. “This hurts so much,” she said, before graciously adding, “Coco, you were a better player than me.” Her disappointment was compounded by a controversial remark that Swiatek would have beaten Gauff in the final. Gauff responded diplomatically, saying, “I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.” The exchange highlighted the intensity of their rivalry, now level at 5-5, with five of their matches going to three sets, including their 2023 US Open final, also won by Gauff.
At 27, Sabalenka remains a dominant force, with a 40-7 record in 2025 and seven finals reached. Yet, her off-court struggles, including a recent coaching change, added pressure. Looking ahead, she plans a brief respite in Mykonos, joking about “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming” to recover before Wimbledon. Gauff, meanwhile, continues her ascent, both on and off the court. With over $25 million in endorsements in 2024, she’s a global star and a symbol of hope. “I hope to be a reflection of hope and light for people that look like me in America,” she said, addressing broader social challenges.
The 2025 French Open final was more than a match—it was a testament to Gauff’s growth and Sabalenka’s resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling grass-court season. As Gauff hoisted the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, and Sabalenka wiped away tears, Roland Garros witnessed a new chapter in one of tennis’s most compelling rivalries.
Aryna, you can be so proud of your tournament 🧡#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ySgwm3uVqT
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
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