Coco Gauff Wins First French Open Title After Beating Aryna Sabalenka

Photo : AFP

Coco Gauff showed great determination and strength when she came back after losing the first set to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final on Saturday. The score was 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. This win gave Gauff her first French Open title and her second Grand Slam singles trophy.

At just 21 years old, Gauff became the first American to win the singles trophy in Paris since Serena Williams in 2015. She is also the youngest American to win this title since Serena did it in 2002.

This victory helped Gauff forget the heavy loss she had against Iga Swiatek in the French Open final in 2022. It also showed that she belongs among the best players, especially after her big win at the 2023 US Open, where she also beat Sabalenka.

"I went through a lot when I lost here three years ago," Gauff said after the match. "I'm just happy to be back. I had some dark moments. Three finals... but now I have the most important win. That’s what matters."

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Gauff also made fans laugh when she accidentally dropped the lid of the Suzanne Lenglen Cup while taking pictures.

A New Champion

This year, there was sure to be a new winner at the French Open because neither player had won it before. This final was the first time since the 2018 Australian Open that the top two women in the world met in a major final. But the match was not as exciting as many hoped. Both players made many mistakes — a total of 100 unforced errors — especially because the wind was strong.

Sabalenka, playing her third straight Grand Slam final but first on clay, started well. She quickly took a 4-1 lead in the first set using smart shots at the net and powerful plays. But Gauff did not give up. She fought back hard, breaking Sabalenka’s serve and catching up. The crowd cheered her on to keep the match alive.

Both players struggled with mistakes in the windy weather. Gauff managed to push the first set into a tiebreak, but she lost after having a 4-1 lead. Sabalenka took the first set.

Gauff stayed calm and raised her game in the second set. She won four of the first five games and evened the match. Sabalenka’s errors grew, with 51 unforced mistakes by then.

Big Celebrations

In the final set, Gauff took a 3-1 lead. Sabalenka fought back, but Gauff stayed focused and won the match. The crowd went wild, and Gauff dropped to the ground in disbelief. Tears of joy came as she ran up to hug her team. Sabalenka, on the other hand, had to accept another loss in a major final after losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys.

This defeat stopped Sabalenka from becoming the only active woman player to win singles titles at three different Grand Slams. She had already won the Australian Open in 2023-24 and the US Open last year.

"You're a fighter and a hard worker. Congratulations to you and your team," Sabalenka said with tears.

The three-time Grand Slam winner said this was the worst final she had ever played, even after a good two weeks in the tournament.

"It was honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in many months," Sabalenka said. "The conditions were bad, and she was just better in this weather. It was the worst final for me."