Coco Gauff, 21, carved her name deeper into tennis history Saturday by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final, coming from a set down to win 2–6, 6–2, 6–4. With the victory, Gauff became the first American in 10 years to win the Grand Slam on clay, a surface long considered the toughest test for U.S. players.
This is Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, and her first at Roland Garros. She won her first major at the US Open in 2023. Now, with a title on clay, she adds another dimension to her game and confirms her place among the sport’s elite.
“I don’t think either of us are playing great, but I knew as soon as I stepped on the court, when I felt that it was windy, it was going to be one of those matches,” Gauff said after the win. “So I was just trying to give myself the best chance and fight every point.”
Gauff was overpowered early by Sabalenka, who took the first set with dominant serving and heavy hitting. But Gauff responded by adjusting her tactics, improving her footwork, and making fewer unforced errors. She took control of the second set and kept her composure through the tight third, breaking Sabalenka’s serve midway and closing out the match in just over two hours.
“It was really deep, I think especially that last game,” she said. “I was obviously very nervous, but I think that was something I’m really proud of — just managing to get another ball back and trying to play with the condition.”
Sabalenka, who came into the match as the favorite, expressed her frustration “Obviously, guys, this one hurts so much,” She said. “Especially after such a tough two weeks playing great tennis and in these terrible conditions. To show such terrible tennis in the final, that really hurts,” the world no. 1 lamented.
For Gauff, the win represents more than a trophy. It puts her in the same conversation as Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati, two of the few American women who have won in Paris in the Open Era. It also highlights the changing face of women’s tennis, where a younger generation is no longer just challenging the top ranks, but defining them.
When asked what comes next, Gauff smiled. “Hopefully another one. Yeah, definitely another one,” she said. “But for now, just enjoying this one. And yeah, I’m just glad to get another title to my resume.”
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