Paris: Coco Gauff scripted a stunning comeback to claim her first French Open title, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a blustery and error-filled final at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The 21-year-old American became the first from her country to win the women’s singles crown at Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.
The hard-fought victory also made Gauff the youngest American champion in Paris since Williams in 2002 and capped a remarkable rise since her crushing 2022 final defeat to Iga Swiatek.
Gauff’s latest Grand Slam win follows her maiden major title at the 2023 US Open and reinforces her growing stature as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
“I was going through a lot of dark thoughts when I lost here three years ago. Three finals… I guess I got the most important win. That’s all that matters,” Gauff said, reflecting on her journey.
wow.
this means so much to me truly….french open champion🥹
i worked so hard for this moment and for it to have happened is insane. thank you God ❤️ and thank you everyone. this means the world…. I ‘m still in shock honestly can’t find the words but all I can say for now is… pic.twitter.com/5rAaTrhk16— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) June 7, 2025
The final, which featured the top two players in the world rankings, was marred by swirling winds and a staggering 100 unforced errors between both players. After losing the first set in a tiebreak despite leading 4-1, Gauff reset and raised her level as Sabalenka’s error count soared to 51 by the end of the second set.
Gauff stormed to a 3-1 lead in the decider, and though Sabalenka briefly rallied, the American held firm to seal a memorable win. She collapsed in joy before racing into the stands to embrace her team.
Sabalenka, who was bidding to become the only active woman to win singles titles at three different Grand Slams, called it “the worst final I’ve ever played” and praised Gauff as “a fighter and a hard worker.” The win adds to a banner season for American women, following Madison Keys’ triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year.
