Coco Gauff has made history at the French Open, becoming the first American singles champion since Serena Williams after a powerful victory over an evidently frustrated Aryna Sabalenka in Paris.
The women`s title at Roland Garros returns to the United States after ten years, following Gauff`s comeback win from a set down on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Under an open roof, in a final that pitted the world number 1 versus the world number 2 seed, the 21-year-old triumphed 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 after more than two and a half hours. Manchester United legend Eric Cantona was among the spectators watching from the front row.
Gauff, who was the runner-up in the 2022 final against Iga Swiatek, collapsed onto the court in tears after her win, whispering: “Oh my God, oh my God.”
This marks Gauff`s second Grand Slam title. Her previous major victory also came against Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open in New York, a match that also went to three sets.
While tense and dramatic, the quality of play wasn`t consistently high throughout the final.
However, this will matter little to American fans, as Gauff proudly lifted the trophy on the prestigious clay court of Roland Garros.
The determined Sabalenka, recognizable by her tiger tattoo, fought back from a 4-1 deficit in the first-set tie-break to take the lead after an intense 80 minutes.
This was the first women`s singles final at the French Open where the opening set was decided by a tie-break since Arantxa Sanchez Vicario played Monica Seles in 1998.
Yet world No. 2 Gauff dominated the rest of the match, winning 12 of the subsequent 18 games and securing the £2.1 million winner`s prize on a slightly unusual second match point.
Gauff`s forehand on match point appeared to be going long, but it landed right on the line, forcing Sabalenka to scramble. Sabalenka`s subsequent backhand went wide, sealing Gauff`s victory and her emotional collapse onto the clay.
The Florida native is the first American woman to claim the Roland Garros singles title since Serena Williams`s win in 2015.
She is also the youngest American conqueror since the now-retired 23-time Grand Slam champion won it in 2002 at age 20.
World No. 1 Sabalenka displayed visible frustration throughout the match, yelling towards her box and struggling to regain momentum as the match shifted in Gauff`s favour.
Following the win, Gauff shared a hug with film director Spike Lee before heading to her player`s box to celebrate with her family.
Receiving the trophy from four-time French Open champion Justine Henin of Belgium, Gauff expressed her gratitude, stating: “I’d like to thank God. I went through a lot when I lost this final three years ago.”
“I am so happy to be standing here,” she continued. “Winning this means everything. Aryna, you are a true fighter.”
Gauff also thanked her team: “Sometimes I know I’m not the easiest person and can be very serious, but my team reminds me there is more to life. That helps me play better on court.”
She specifically praised her parents: “Thanks also to my parents, for everything from washing my clothes to keeping me grounded and always believing in me. You are my inspiration and the reason I do this.”
Quoting Tyler, The Creator, she added: “I didn`t think I could do it, but like Tyler, The Creator said, `If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.` I`ll leave you with that.”
Sabalenka, unable to watch the match highlights replayed on screen, covered her face with a towel while seated.
She became tearful during her runner-up speech, stating: “This really hurts.”
“Especially after a tough two weeks, playing great tennis,” she explained, “and then in these difficult conditions, playing such terrible tennis in the final – that truly hurts.”
Addressing Gauff, she said: “Coco, congratulations. In these tough conditions, you were the better player. You deserved it. You are a fighter and a hard worker.”
She concluded by thanking her team: “Thank you to my team for your support. I apologize for this terrible final. I will come back stronger, as always.”
