Coco Gauff drew on the painful memory of her previous defeat in the Roland-Garros final three years ago as motivation to triumph at the clay-court major for the first time. The 21-year-old American claimed victory over the world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, securing her second Grand Slam title after winning the US Open two years earlier.
Gauff acknowledged that while her US Open win was more emotional, this victory presented greater challenges. She managed to navigate momentum swings and tough conditions more effectively than Sabalenka. Reflecting on her past experience, Gauff recalled the feelings of self-doubt and anxiety she faced during the 2022 final, when she struggled to find her footing on the court, overwhelmed by the occasion.
This time, Gauff maintained her composure, reducing her unforced errors significantly compared to Sabalenka, who had a particularly troubled match with 70 errors. The match, marked by challenging windy conditions, showcased Gauff’s resilience and mental strength. After clinching the win, Gauff celebrated by kissing the trophy and expressing her gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd.
She is now the first American woman to win at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015, and her victory marks a significant milestone, being only the second No.1 vs No.2 final in the last three decades. Gauff was overwhelmed with emotions, falling to her back in joy and disbelief as the reality of her win sank in.
Despite Sabalenka’s strong performance in the tournament, she acknowledged Gauff’s talent and perseverance, admitting that the windy conditions impacted her game. The match was intense, with both players facing difficulties, but Gauff’s ability to stay focused and limit her mistakes ultimately led her to victory.
In her post-match remarks, Gauff thanked the French crowd for their support and reflected on her journey, expressing a desire to improve her language skills for future speeches. Sabalenka, despite her own disappointment, recognised Gauff’s deserving victory and the fierce competition between them.
Gauff’s win signifies a remarkable turnaround since her last final, proving her capability to handle high-pressure situations and reinforcing her status as one of the top contenders in women’s tennis.