In a thrilling French Open final the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 meeting since Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova in 2013 American Coco Gauff demonstrated incredible grit and strategic wizardry to quiet world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, prevailing 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Having lost a tense opening set, the 21-year-old kept Belarusian juggernaut at arm’s length, nullifying her dreaded power play and turning the match resolutely in her direction to win her first French Open title.
Historic Victory for Gauff in French Open
Gauff is the youngest American to claim the Roland Garros singles title since Serena in 2002 and the first American to claim the Roland Garros singles title since the legend won hers her crown on la terre battue in 2015. It was her second career Grand Slam. She had dethroned Sabalenka to win her first at the US Open two years ago. But this was Gauff’s second Roland Garros singles final. She had been runner-up to Iga Swiatek at Paris in 2022.
First Set Drama: Sabalenka’s Lead and Gauff’s Fightback
The riveting first set provided 78 minutes of edge-of-the-seat drama. Sabalenka stormed into a double break to take a 4-1 lead but promptly saw her lead disappear along with two set points on serve at 5-4 as Gauff rallied back with grit. However, Sabalenka showed her usual mental fortitude to win a close tiebreak 7-5. The adrenaline-fueled first set provided 78 minutes of heart-stopping tension. Sabalenka took a double break to move 4-1 ahead but then watched her lead melt away together with two set points on serve at 5-4 as Gauff fought back with grit. However, Sabalenka showed her usual mental strength to win a close tiebreak 7-5.
Gauff’s Mental Toughness in Second and Third Sets
In the second set, it was Gauff’s turn to prove herself mentally robust. She shook off the letdown to build a 4-1 advantage with a double break and rode out to a 6-2 victory.
Gauff took the rhythm into the tiebreak, taking the psychological advantage with a break in the opening stages. Sabalenka broke back quickly to make it 3-3 in the set, before losing the break on her subsequent service game to leave the American ahead again. Gauff then served it out to claim her second career Slam.
Future Prospects for Gauff After French Open Win
With 2000 points from the championship victory, Gauff will rise from No. 5 to No. 2 on the Race to the WTA Finals Riyadh. She also retains her career-high World No. 2 in the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka, who was seeking to capture her first major on clay following three hard court titles, two Australian Opens, and one US Open is now 3-3 in Slam finals, and will be the top-ranked player in the WTA chart.
