Coco Gauff achieved a remarkable comeback to secure her first French Open championship, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought final with scores of 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday.
The 21-year-old American is the first woman from her country to win the singles title at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015. She is also the youngest American woman to accomplish this feat since Williams did so in 2002.
This captivating and lengthy match between the world`s top two players concluded with the second seed emerging victorious after three intense sets.
Destiny for Coco Gauff?
Serena Williams
Won the US Open as a teenager
Won the WTA Finals the year she turned 20
Won Roland-Garros the year she turned 21
Coco Gauff
Won the US Open as a teenager
Won the WTA Finals the year she turned 20
Won Roland-Garros the year she turned 21
The windy conditions in Paris contributed to a high number of unforced errors (a combined 100) and numerous service breaks (15 in total).
Nevertheless, the match still featured brilliant shot-making, impressive powerful hits, and significant drama.
This was the first French Open women`s final featuring the top two seeds since Serena Williams faced Maria Sharapova in 2013.
After the match, Gauff commented, “I was dealing with many things when I lost this final three years ago, so returning here and winning means a great deal.”
She thanked the spectators, saying, “The crowd`s support today was incredible; you cheered so strongly for me. I`m unsure what I`ve done to receive such affection from the French fans, but I truly value it.”
Gauff admitted, “Honestly, I didn`t believe I could win.” She then quoted artist Tyler the Creator: “If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.” She concluded, “I believe I was deceiving myself; I definitely could achieve it. Thanks to Tyler and to all of you. Thank you, Paris.”
How Gauff fought back to claim the title…
Sabalenka dominated the start of the match, breaking Gauff`s serve without losing a point as part of a nine-point streak. Gauff appeared nervous, hitting unforced errors widely across the court.
However, a well-executed drop shot from Gauff, followed by a double-fault from Sabalenka and a powerful forehand winner, created a break point opportunity that Gauff successfully converted.
Sabalenka seemed shaken. She allowed a shot from Gauff to go past her, believing it would land outside the baseline, but it landed just inside, allowing Gauff to level the set at 4-4.
This was a surprising error from a player who had previously held a 4-1 lead against defending champion Iga Swiatek in the semi-final but lost that advantage.
Sabalenka recovered to win the first set via a tie-break. She managed to win the tie-break in the final as well, following five consecutive breaks of serve.
Gauff initially led in the tie-break and was close to winning the set, but Sabalenka increased her power, hitting two strong winners right on the lines.
After a few more points, including some drop shots, and 77 minutes of play, the first set, which was both brilliant and disorganized, but completely gripping, went to Sabalenka.
Considering Gauff`s previous final appearance three years prior, a decisive 6-1, 6-3 loss to Swiatek that lasted only 68 minutes, she had reason not to panic despite losing the first set.
The 21-year-old American then immediately broke Sabalenka`s serve for the fifth consecutive time to start the second set.
Much faster than the first set, Gauff quickly won the second set with an overhead shot, leveling the match and letting out a loud roar of relief.
By the deciding set, Gauff appeared calmer and gained an early break lead, while Sabalenka seemed frustrated, glancing towards her coaching team.
Sabalenka managed to draw level at 3-3, but immediately double-faulted, giving Gauff three break points. The former US Open champion converted the first with an accurate backhand.
Serving at 5-3, the 27-year-old Belarusian bravely held her serve, forcing Gauff to serve for the championship.
True to the nature of the two-hour and 38-minute match, a match point opportunity arose for Gauff but was missed, as did a subsequent break point for Sabalenka.
However, when a second match point arrived and Sabalenka hit the ball wide, an overjoyed and tearful Gauff collapsed onto the clay court, celebrating her impressive victory.
Tearful Sabalenka Apologizes for `Terrible` Final
Sabalenka became emotional and apologized for what she called a `terrible final,` acknowledging her large number of unforced errors, totaling 70, during the match against Gauff.
Struggling to hold back tears, the Belarusian player stated, “This loss is incredibly painful, especially after two demanding weeks of playing great tennis despite challenging conditions.”
She thanked her team, saying, “Thank you to my team for your support; I apologize for this poor final performance. I will come back stronger, as always.” Addressing Gauff, she added, “Congratulations, Coco. You were the superior player today under these difficult circumstances. You had a fantastic two weeks. Congratulations on your second Grand Slam title. You are a true fighter and a dedicated worker. Congratulations to you and your team.”
Social Media Reactions to Gauff`s Victory in Paris…
(Social media posts were removed as requested)
Wilander: I Believed Sabalenka Had Moved Past This Attitude
Speaking to TNT Sports, former British number one Tim Henman commented, “Her mental toughness in challenging conditions was key. Sabalenka was playing very aggressively but Gauff kept defending effectively. Sabalenka`s unforced errors increased, leading to frustration, which ultimately cost her the match.”
Three-time French Open winner Mats Wilander offered a different perspective, stating, “It was a perfect final. Seeing two players compete with such intensity despite not playing their absolute best in those conditions was truly inspiring. Sabalenka called it a `terrible final,` but I disagree; I found it brilliant. The intensity of the moment made it exceptional.”
He continued, “I thought she was striving for perfect tennis, which is typical for her. I didn`t observe a specific tactical plan from her. She seemed to be trying to play her usual aggressive style, but it`s extremely difficult against Gauff because she moves and defends so effectively. Sabalenka was excessively critical of herself. I believed she had overcome this kind of reaction, but evidently, she hasn`t.”
Three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport remarked, “Aryna showed flashes of her past struggles with emotions taking over. I thought she might have moved past that, but it resurfaced, and she lost focus on the match.”
