Coco Gauff defeats Aryna Sabalenka to claim French Open Title

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No African-American woman had won a French Open title since Serena Williams in 2015. Today, that changed. Coco Gauff, ranked No. 2 in women’s singles, defeated top-ranked Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a historic Grand Slam Final.

The victory marked the first match between the top two-ranked players since Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova in 2013.

“I honestly didn’t think I could do it,” said Gauff after her win. “But I’m going to quote Tyler the Creator, who said, ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.’ I think I was lying to myself, and I definitely could do it.”

Gauff’s Comeback

Sabalenka took a 40-0 lead, moved ahead 4-1, and claimed the first set in a tiebreaker, despite failing to serve it out twice. Gauff fought back, tying it at 4-4 after a grueling eighth game. Sabalenka had a chance to serve for the set at 6-5, but Gauff returned a smash with a miraculous backhand. In the tiebreak, Gauff led 3-0, then 5-3, but Sabalenka rallied to take it 7-5.

Self-inflicted errors haunted Sabalenka. Her double faults gave Gauff breathing room, and the American seized the opportunity. Gauff’s mental resilience shone, as she had come back after losing the first sets in previous matches.

A break to love in the second set gave Gauff a 4-1 lead. Sabalenka broke back at 2-4, but Gauff immediately broke again and served out to even the match.

In the third set, Gauff led 3-1 after a break, but Sabalenka tied it at 3-3. Gauff, displaying a strong instinct, dominated the remainder of the set. Her precise volleys, baseline shots, and returns thrilled the crowd.

Conditions Test Both Players

Sabalenka’s unforced errors helped play a part as well. The Belarusian had six double faults, including one for a set point, followed by a missed backhand next. Playing in windy conditions and not meeting her standards took a toll on the star Belarusian, as Gauff refused to relinquish the lead.

“Conditions were terrible, and she simply was better in these conditions than me,” Sabalenka told a media conference. “I think it was the worst final I ever played.”

As the match climaxed, Gauff grew stronger while Sabalenka faltered. Gauff broke to love, securing a lead she never relinquished. On her second match point, she clinched a historic victory.

It’s Sabalenka’s second straight Grand Slam final loss, following a defeat to Madison Keys at the Australian Open. She broke down in tears, apologizing to her team for what she called “terrible tennis.”

Gauff Joins Exclusive Club

For Gauff, this win marks a historic milestone. It’s her first French Open title and second Grand Slam victory. She is the first African-American and American to win Roland Garros since Serena in 2015.

The others are Serena Williams (6), Chris Evert (6), Venus Williams (4), and Tracey Austin (2). Tremendous company. She finally achieved one of her childhood dreams, which she manifested as a kid.

“I also felt like this is one I really wanted, because I do think this was one of the tournaments that, when I was younger, that I felt I had the best shot of winning. I just felt like if I went through my career and didn’t get at least one of these, I would feel regrets and stuff.”

She won’t have to worry anymore.