PARIS — American tennis sensation Coco Gauff claimed her first French Open singles title in a thrilling final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, overcoming a slow start to triumph 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a dramatic showdown at Roland Garros.
The 20-year-old Gauff, who had previously reached the 2022 French Open final but fell short against Iga Świątek, delivered a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance to dethrone Sabalenka in a match lasting two hours and 23 minutes. "This is unbelievable," Gauff said during the trophy ceremony, fighting back tears. "I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl."
A Rocky Start and a Stunning Comeback
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, stormed through the first set with her trademark power, breaking Gauff twice and dominating with her aggressive baseline game. The Belarusian’s ferocious forehand and relentless pressure left Gauff scrambling, as she struggled to find rhythm early on.
But Gauff, known for her mental toughness, refused to buckle. She adjusted her strategy in the second set, opting for higher-percentage shots and exploiting Sabalenka’s movement with precise drop shots and angled backhands. "I knew I had to stay patient," Gauff later explained. "Aryna was hitting bombs, but I trusted my legs and my defense."
Key Turning Points
The momentum shifted decisively in the second set when Gauff broke Sabalenka in the fourth game, capitalizing on a rare double fault from the world number one. From there, the American’s confidence grew, and she began dictating rallies with her improved first-serve percentage (rising from 48% in the first set to 72% in the second).
- Second-set resurgence: Gauff won 12 of 14 points on her first serve after the opening set.
- Sabalenka’s unforced errors: The Belarusian committed 39 unforced errors, compared to Gauff’s 23.
- Net play dominance: Gauff won 75% of her net approaches, a critical factor in the decider.
A Nerve-Wracking Final Set
The third set was a rollercoaster, with both players exchanging breaks early. Sabalenka, visibly fatigued, began to struggle with her serve, landing only 45% of her first deliveries. Gauff, meanwhile, remained composed under pressure, saving three break points at 3-3 with clutch serving.
The decisive moment came in the ninth game, when Gauff broke Sabalenka to love with a stunning backhand winner down the line. Serving for the championship at 5-4, she sealed victory with an ace, collapsing to the clay in disbelief before embracing her team in the stands.
Historic Achievement
Gauff’s victory makes her the youngest American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open. It also marks her third career title on clay, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s most versatile young stars.
Sabalenka, gracious in defeat, praised her opponent: "Coco played unbelievable today. She deserved it. I’ll come back stronger." The loss denied Sabalenka a chance to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the Australian Open and French Open in the same year.
What’s Next for Gauff?
With this breakthrough, Gauff is expected to rise to a career-high No. 2 in the WTA rankings. Her coach, Brad Gilbert, hailed her maturity: "She’s always had the game, but now she’s playing with belief. This is just the beginning."
Looking ahead, Gauff will shift focus to Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round last year. If she maintains this form, she could challenge for a second major in 2024. For now, though, she’s savoring the moment. "I’ve worked so hard for this," she said, clutching the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. "I’m just going to enjoy it."
The French Open final was a testament to Gauff’s growth—both as a player and a competitor. From a teenage prodigy to a Grand Slam champion, her journey has been remarkable, and at just 20, the best may still be yet to come.