The 21-year-old American stuns World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set final, becoming the youngest American to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002.
Paris, France – June 8, 2025:
Coco Gauff scripted a stunning chapter in her tennis journey on Saturday as she lifted her first French Open title, battling back from a set down to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a gripping women’s singles final at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The 2-hour, 38-minute encounter showcased everything that defines Grand Slam tennis — nerve, resilience, drama, and brilliance. With the victory, Gauff, 21, becomes the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015, and the youngest since Serena’s 2002 triumph at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka, chasing her first French Open crown, looked in command early on, narrowly clinching the first set in a tiebreaker. Gauff had stormed to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak but faltered at crucial points as the Belarusian surged back to take it 7-5, seizing the psychological edge.
But Gauff, who won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, bounced back with remarkable composure and athleticism. Dominating the second set, she raced to a 4-1 lead, playing aggressive baseline tennis and capitalizing on a series of unforced errors from Sabalenka. Gauff took the second set 6-2, leveling the match and breathing new life into her title campaign.
In the deciding third set, both players went toe-to-toe in an electrifying battle of grit and shot-making. At 4-3, Gauff hit a sensational backhand cross-court winner that tilted momentum in her favor. Though Sabalenka saved a match point at 5-4, she couldn’t hold off Gauff’s fierce determination. A final, cleanly struck groundstroke sealed the win for the American, sparking emotional celebrations on court.
Gauff was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy after the victory.
“I’d like to thank my parents. You keep me grounded and give me the belief I can do it, so I really appreciate it,” Gauff said during the trophy ceremony, speaking to a rapturous French crowd. “You guys were cheering for me so hard, and I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd.”
Quoting rapper Tyler, The Creator, she added:
“He said, ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.’ I think I was lying to myself. I definitely could do it.”
The loss will sting for Sabalenka, who had two set points in the opener and seemed poised for her first French Open win. But despite her early dominance, it was Gauff’s evolving tactical gameplay, her mental resilience, and her sheer speed that ultimately outclassed the top seed.
This victory not only solidifies Coco Gauff’s position among the elite in women’s tennis but also marks the beginning of a potential era of dominance. With two Grand Slam titles under her belt at just 21, Gauff is already being touted as the future face of American tennis — if not the sport globally.